Every year around this time, there was a busy hustle and bustle going on inside the Trenton home. One would think a great holiday was coming, but no. . . it was just Seth's birthday. Unlike his sixteen-year-old sister, Haley, Seth always wanted to throw a huge bash with all his friends. His eighteenth birthday had been enormous, but his nineteenth was sure to be even better. Perhaps as a breaking point of too much stress, their parents had opted to go out of town for the weekend with the assurance that if the house was destroyed when they returned, Seth would find himself out the door with a swift boot.

The siblings had always been close. That is to say, he was always protective of her, but with a 3 year age gap, they fought quite often, too. Haley found his friends to be disgusting and obnoxious while he probably though the high-pitched giggles of her friends were highly annoying. Still, as luck would have it, Haley's best gal pals were on a school trip she couldn't attend, thus leaving her to attend her brother's party. He may have been reluctant about it at first (she never asked), but she volunteered to do all the decorating so perhaps that soothed things a bit.

The house was filled with loud music, decorations and streamers hanging from every doorway and ceiling. Food covered the counters and the giant cake in the shape of a Les Paul served as the centerpiece. Dusk had fallen so the doorbell started to ring. Long brown hair bounced off her shoulders as she rapidly flew down the stairs to answer the door, heeled sandals clicking loudly on the wooden floor. Her short pink dress accentuated her developing curves, giving her the appearance of being older than sixteen. Of course, she didn't mind. She didn't have to like his friends to flirt with them. Deviant grin formed on her face as she opened the door to let in a group of people. "Seth, party's starting!" She called out to him.

Everyone that was a friend of Seth's knew that he had the best parties, and his parents seemed to put up with it. The house would be beating of music, and well, the best so far had been his 18th with the introduction of alcohol.. Legitimately anyhow.. his 17th had quite a bit as well, and when his parents found out they were not to impressed, yet Seth was the sort of person that it was either give a direct order to, or their was no discussion.. well that was how he acted towards his parents anyhow. His mates got a bit more of a nicer treatment. Unfortunately he would have to clean up well after this one, as they seemed to be getting sick of it, and to dodge stress left the house to him for the weekend.

The age gap between him and Haley was not that big considering, and the way they got along was rather close, closer then most around their age and relation... yet they both did not seem to like the other friends, her friends were all giggly and seemed to only talk about fashion or this boyfriend doing this, or some gossip they had picked up,.. Seth on the other hand just had a lot of mates, and well most of them had the same sort of attitude.. one that his sister just did not seem to like. (although really, he could not workout why she disliked them) When she offered to help organize the decorating he decided to let her stay for the party although he would probably end up being a little protective of her if one of his friends started hitting on her, and then started trying to take advantage of her.

Seth stood up hearing his sister call out, he had not actually seen how the main room with the party looked like. He had decided to wait spare of the moment thing, so that it was partially a surprise... That and he did want to see what his sister had done, he looked over to the mirror seeing his rather attractive face and toned figure, his brown hair reached down to his nose, his blue eyes peeking out from underneath his fringe. Once he was happy with his appearance he headed down the stairs to greet the guest and to see what his sister had done with the organizing of the main room. Once he walked down he welcomed the first arrival before seeing many more fall in behind in, after that they just started to pop up as he entered the room with the cake smiling at how everything looked, the music was decent considering he did not think his sister listened to this sort of style and everything that had been arranged looked great, the cake his favorite thing about the party.

Just as Haley was about to shut the door, she heard loud giggling coming from outside. A group of scantily clad girls piled in, make-up painted brightly across their faces and an odor of cigarette smoke trailing behind them. They rushed to Seth, nearly knocking Haley down in the process. Blue eyes that matched her brother's turned to ice, glaring at him. One finger righteously pointed at the mild decorations hanging in the room, silently warning him that she very well could have embarrassed him with pink streamers and Sesame Street decor. The music was mostly rock, thought it had a few traces of more light acoustic beats. She had tried to tune out any pop, though it really wasn't her style either. She liked the hard beats, and liked even more the musicians that played them.

Peeking out the door, she noticed Seth's closest mates rolling into the driveway in some sporty car, their obnoxious bantering abusing her ears. Quickly, she let go of the door to dodge them, but they had already seen her. Three of them ran inside, placed hands on her bronzed legs, and lifted her high into the air. She screamed, immediately clamping her mouth shut to drown out her yells so that her brother wouldn't scold her for causing a scene at his party. They carried her into the kitchen, chanting some stupid song through muffled words she couldn't decipher.

Haley looked down as people stared up at her, pointing and laughing at her expense. Her shoes were swinging from her feet, nearly slipping away. If only she could aim her leg, she'd send a shoe flying at one of those boys and make them regret bothering her. One of them called her brother's name, his hands rocking Haley as if threatening to drop her. Suddenly, one pushed her off his shoulder, his arms easily extending to catch her as if cradling a baby. Flailing arms slapped at him, legs kicking violently. "Put me down, now! Put me down!"

Once Seth saw some of the girls that had arrived he sighed, they would instantly head straight for him... Probably even try to hang of him for a little while. Yet if it was not bad enough that most of them were drugged up bimbos, they were smoking inside the house something he despised. He could not help but smirk seeing his sister point to the decorations knowing exactly what she meant.... Yet the party was classified as open house which meant more people came, but you could not exactly just tell anyone to go. The chatter continued as he moved away from the girls, they quickly ended up flirting with the other guys around them a sigh of relief escaping his throat as he walked over and spoke to a few people he knew stating that this was an awesome party so far.

He knew soon his buddy Craig would be here, with what would almost be classified as his goons, Sometimes he wondered why the two of them were friends, especially the way him and his friends treated his sister, he at least got along with her.. while they.. they abused their strength and pestered her... well that was the nicest way of putting it anyhow. He heard their voices yet did not see them grab his sister, Seth if he had would have instantly darted into the kitchen.. yet she did not seem to make a noise, and so he continued speaking to a few of the people not knowing what was going on.

Upon hearing his name he headed to the kitchen before looking at Craig who now had his sister in his arms as she tried to escape flailing around like crazy. "And what the fuck do you think your doing... Put my sister down on the bench... Right now, or I'll make you do it.. " Seth was not usually one to threaten especially at a party yet they were going to far, and she seemed to be stressing out quite a lot. He waited and waited for Craig to put her down before he just could not wait anymore, his fist landed straight into his gut before his left slammed him against the jaw, He then caught his sister before helping her get to her feet as Craig realized what had happened. Considering Craig's goons as such were better friends with Seth they stepped in front and stopped anything more, They could understand that he was protecting her, and then all three of them dragged him out of the party only to drive him away.. "I may have to reconsider who I count as a good friend.."

Haley was small in stature, but she was a ball of fire. The heel of her hands connected with his nose with a thud almost at the exact same time that Seth's fist collided into his stomach. Her arms reached for her brother's neck, using him to hoist herself away from his friend. Bare legs came out to kick at him as the small group pulled Craig away from their house.

Steadying herself on her feet, she buried her face into his t-shirt. Arms fell to loop around his waist, her entire body pressed into him. His words echoed in her ears, reminding her that he had protected her from one of his so-called closest friends. She tilted her chin to look up at him, a rattled expression settling on her soft features. Palms flexed against his back, pink polished fingertips rubbing in gentle circles on his lower back.

Haley was well aware that she had caused a stir at the party. It seemed split: the people who agreed that Craig was a jerk were making hissing noises and looking at her with concern while the people who thought him endearing and humorous were looking at her like she was a pest ruining the party. She didn't care, though.

After a few minutes, everyone seemed to have forgotten the incident. The music was cranked again as people started dancing. Grip loosened on his waist as she took a step back at him. Several people wandered in with gifts, reminding her that she had forgotten to purchase something. Eyes shifted, thinking of something she could give him. . .

Before she could become too pensive, however, she felt a tug on her hand. An unfamiliar face pulled her gently into the direction of the swaying masses, silently asking her to dance with him. She glanced back to Seth with a grin as her arms shot into the air. Hips rocked rhythmically, sending the short hem of her dress in a flare with her movements. The boy pressed his hand against her stomach, pulling her tightly against him. Haley laughed, enjoying herself as she moved with him.

The joint effort of brother and sister had stunned Craig, yet it did not take to long for the brute to recover, but luckily he was guided out of the house. His arms still held onto her as he spoke the words he spoke his grip had not loosened just yet on her, the two of them seemed to be holding to each other for a moment.

His eyes looked over at the people in the party, they all seemed to be having a good time although some now were calling her a pest others wondering why Craig picked on her so much, it was probably because he thought that Seth would not do anything yet found out the hard way today that he would.

A soft sigh escaped him as he felt her hands seemingly massage him lightly, it was calming.. which was what he needed after an event like that.. A birthday was meant to be enjoyable not full of conflict and anger. Once everyone seemed settled down his grip loosened on her,

Almost at the same time Haley seemed to do the same his eyes a little surprised as he saw a few gifts start to appear, so far he had not seen many as usually people thought turning up was good enough.. yet their were always people who brought gifts.

Seeing her get pulled into the crowd of people he smiled seeing that she started to have a good time before he walked into the crowd as well and just moved to the beat a little whilst chatting to an actual friend of his that was half decent. He had more good friends then he realized yet some of them Seth had not even noticed yet. A few questions were asked to him about the event but he just said one thing "Just forget about it and enjoy the party"

Haley was lost in the music, too busy twirling on the dance floor to take note of anything going on at the party. She could hear her brother's voice somewhere within the vicinity, but he didn't need her to look after him. Her new dance partner had roaming hands, sending them to explore her arms and legs. His touch was gentle, but she could tell that he wasn't a close friend of Seth's. If so, he probably wouldn't have been so bold, nor would he be treating her as if she was much older than her actual age. He whispered his name as Evan, though she didn't seem to care much about his name.

Spinning around, she saw her brother in the middle of the crowd. She also noticed the group of slutty girls stalking their way toward him, which made her laugh. Taking John's hand, she led him over to Seth. "Hi, brother." She said sweetly, placing the boy's hand on her hip. "This is John. John, this is my brother, the birthday boy." As her partner buried his lips at her neck, she was unsure whether he actually heard the introduction. Haley swayed more, feeling the smallest urge to create a slight jealousy with Seth, though she didn't understand that need.

"Looks like your sluts are back." She chimed, head nodding toward the gaggle of girls. Tobacco stained her nose, causing her to cup her hand over her face. "Kind of gross, if you ask me. I'd stay away from them. You wouldn't want to catch something." And with that, she stole John away and danced her way to the edge of the crowd. The song ended, transitioning into one with a slower tempo. Not feeling the mood to dance any longer, she went into the kitchen to get a drink of punch. John didn't follow, but she didn't mind. Upon a tasting of the red liquid, her tongue burned from a taint of alcohol. Oh, if her parents knew she was being served liquor, they would surely toss Seth out of the house!

Seth was a little jealous as he saw her dance partner seem to be a little more roaming with his hands, yet if he knew her age... well he probably would have backed off a little, that dress in particular made her look older then she was and sometimes she could act more then her age easily. When she showed John to him he could not help but feel a little jealous... yet he knew it was not normal to feel such a thing and just thought it was him being over protective yet again, since sometimes he could be.. but with people like Craig as his 'friends as such' well he had to be or she could get caught up into something and not be able to do anything about it"

Hearing her last comment he sighed before speaking "I did not invite them.." They really did reach of smoke and it was so offsetting, who knew what else they did other then smoke.. it really was pretty bad. It seemed the punch which was meant to be the only non alcoholic drink in the house had been spiked yet Seth did not know as he watched Haley go and get some before looking away and moving a little more into the crowd.

The change of song was a little disappointing, the other easy to dance to since it was fast, and upbeat.. this one a little to slow for his liking as he sat down and cut himself a slice of cake. Quite a chunk had been taken of the Les Paul design, yet it was still an awesome cake, as he ate it he let out a sigh... the party was good, but it was all becoming to much but things would be over eventually, He just hoped Craig would not come back

Craig after being dragged out argued with them, they had driven him down the road before he walked out at red light "Well if your not going to do anything against Seth.. I will" He did not care if they refused to not help him.. in fact without them their it would be easier yet a sigh escaped him as there was still quite a walk to go.

Haley, being underage and with and older brother, had not tasted much alcohol in her life. Sure, she dipped into her father's Scotch when she had a chance or her brother's beers, but never more than a taste. Lips caressed the glass in her hands, leaving behind a little pink imprint of her lips. Free hand wove into her hair, hips rocking to the beat of the music as she hummed the tune. Walking farther into the kitchen, she pulled herself up on an empty spot on the counter. Legs crossed to keep from exposing anything beneath that skirt. Ankles dangled freely in the air as she slowly sipped on the beverage.

As her brother came into the room to cut himself a piece of cake, she sat back in silence, observing him. Usually, cake-cutting was a big deal at a party, but the sigh from his lips told her something was troubling him. "Something causing you grief, dear brother?" Glass was tilted again, quickly draining the contents of the cup. "I hope it isn't me." Pushing herself from the surface, she meandered back to the bowl to retrieve another glass of punch. Being so small, she knew it wouldn't take much for her blood alcohol index to rise past the legal limits, but so long as he didn't stop her, it wouldn't matter. Besides, she was in her own home.

Deliberate steps took her to his side. Finger dipped in some of the icing on his cake, lips closing over it to suck it clean. "Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?" Setting the glass down on the table, she moved over to climb into his lap. Head leaned back on his shoulder, right arm lazily draping around his neck. "Happy birthday, Seth."

Seth even if he had known the punch was spiked with what was most likely vodka, would not stop people from drinking it,after all it seemed alcohol seemed to bring out more in a party... and considering how many people had walked here, there was no problems with having to take away keys until testing that they could walk straight, answer a few questions and then state how many beers they thought they had.. but luckily he did not have to do such a thing.. which was probably the one thing he was glad about. The kitchen seemed to be one of the only places in the house it was not overcrowded and it was something that he was slightly glad about as he had sighed and cut some cake for himself.

Hearing his sisters voice he turned to face her before nodding yet not answering, once he heard her say that he tried to manage a smile, yet it was not as easy as just doing it "No Sis, it's not" The house was too crowded really and although the party was large.. and had plenty of people most of them he did not even know.. and the ones he did.. barely any were worth even speaking to. He had now rested into a chair a plate with cake on it, yet for the moment he was not interested in eating it just yet.

Seeing his sister return he wondered what she was up to, watching as she dipped her finger into his cakes topping yet he did not mind really, Once she moved towards him Seth made sure there was enough room for her to do such a thing, a sigh of relief escaping him as he felt her arm go around him her head resting on his shoulder, his own arm slid around her holding her softly before he began to speak "... I'm starting to think that I know almost no one at this party.. and the people I do know.. most of them are not even worth speaking to.." Such a thing troubled him and was the main thing on his mind right now.

Craig slowly continued to walk, he was a good ten minutes away now, yet soon he would be there.. then he would get Seth back for punching him the way he did.. they were friends and yet he just slammed one into him..well two to be accurate and his sister had managed to hit him with a foot and something else.. she would be the one to pay since Haley seemed to mean so much to Seth.

Haley snuggled against him, her back resting at an angle against his chest. Lip puckered into a pout with his words, feeling slightly sorry for him. "You always have so much fun at your parties. It doesn't really matter if you know them. . . just mingle." A dozen fleeting kisses grazed his cheek, leaving behind a trail of shimmering lip gloss. "You have me. I know I annoy you, but I'm the only person here who truly loves you." She grinned, bouncing once in his lap. "Am I not worth speaking to?" She asked, both of her hands balling into fists to be placed at her sides. "I went to all this trouble to get that cake, decorate, find the right music, and post all those fliers in coffee shops inviting random strangers." She admitted, the true source of all the unfamiliar people finally making itself known.

Even if she angered him with that truth, she knew she was capable of wiggling herself out of trouble. Finger dipped in his cake again, scooping up a good amount and bringing it to his lips. "Open up." Finger went into his mouth, allowing him to taste the frosting. Retracting her hand, she finished off any trace amounts of the topping before both arms interlocked about his neck. "You still haven't gotten my gift, my brother. I'm certain you like it." But Haley still hadn't figured out what her gift to him would be just yet. Whatever it was, she knew it had to be perfect.

Fingers caressed the nape of his neck before weaving through his hair to move aside a few errant strands from his eyes. . . their eyes. Their parents had dark brown eyes, but both Seth and Haley had bright blue ones. It was a trait no one else in their family hand, and she felt it bonded them a little more, in some ways.

He liked the fact that Haley was cheering him up, and it was working slightly... since his sister was wearing lip gloss he knew the kisses would remain as marks on him until he washed his face, yet he did not mind such a thing. Hearing that remark a smile appeared on her face as he felt her bounce on his lap. Hearing that he finally spoke yet again "You know you are, or else we would not be here right now Sis.." She really had went to a lot of trouble, although now that he had heard were all the people had come from it now did not surprise him why it felt more claustrophobic then normal. And why so many faces were unfamiliar to him. It did slightly annoy him of were she invited them from, yet there was no way he could stay mad at her... Seth knew that his sister was a master at getting herself out of trouble and into peoples good books, well anyone but Craig.. there were always exceptions to the rule.

Hearing her say open up he did just that before taking most of it from her finger, it was rather nice.. which did not surprise him. Hearing her say that he looked at her directly "I look forward to seeing it,... I was going to say that you did not need such a thing, since you set up the party.. and went to all this trouble.. but if you have something for me.. I can't say no" It would be rude to say such a thing to a birthday present and the two of them were to close for him not to accept a present, as the two of them loved the fact they at least cared.. even if sometimes both of them did not show it, but that was just a basic brother sister rivalry that was nothing like any of others as most of the time they were actually getting along.

It was always a bit of a surprise when both of them had brown eyes considering their parents had blue, the doctors said it was rare enough to have a child with one set of odd eyes to the parents, yet to have both children... well it just added to their bond between each other, they definently looked rather similar.. which possibly why Craig did what he could to have a go at her, although he was starting to get worse and over the top. "Thanks Haley.. Go enjoy the party, I will come join it back again, once I finish this cake" He smiled lightly at her before taking a bite.

Finally Craig had made it, it had taken longer then expected yet he would not enter yet, it just felt like the wrong time and soon a better one would come. Since it was an open house he would be able to slip in with ease and not get noticed and then continue his plan to the next level... which was the most extreme thing he would ever do.

"I know I didn't have to get you anything, but I promise you it will be the coolest present ever." She flashed him her innocent smile, batting her pretty blue eyes a time or two. The wheels in her mind were working, turning rapidly to try to think of some clever gift. What could she give him that others could not? She reached back for his fork, stabbing a small piece of the delicious cake and pushing it into her mouth. "Mmmm." She swallowed, reaching for her glass of spiked punch. "That's really good cake." Another giant gulp was taken from the cup, a quick buzz starting to paw at her sobriety.

Slowly sliding herself off his lap, she nodded. "Fine, I'll go find another beau to dance with. Let him try to get a piece of this." She wiggled her hips, teasing him with a joke. Blowing him a kiss, she took her drink and sauntered off into the living room.

As time was passing, she noticed more people dispersing throughout their home. Some of them lingered in the hallways while others explored the second level of their home. Too many faces races by her, and she was too oblivious to notice the danger that had entered their home. Haley solely cared that people could be in her room, doing things to her bed she didn't want. Pushing through the throng of people, she made her way to the stairs. Hand gripped the rail as she pulled herself up step by step.

On the second floor landing, she hissed and sneered at people. "Downstairs! Get out of here, right now!" She briefly checked each room, clearing people out of it. When she found her own bedroom door empty, she went inside and collapsed on her bed. The last remnants of the alcohol was swallowed, hand letting the empty cup fall to the floor.

Seth could not help but smile hearing such a thing, She had always bought him the best gift each year and wondered what this year's would be.. It made him think for a little. "It is.. Good pick Sis" Once he said that he took another bite of the cake, He could not help but softly laugh at her comment, she would not allow someone such a thing.. they would get maybe a little feel of her body.. yet she seemed to not allow anyone to get to close, and seemed ok at protecting herself.. unless it was from people like Craig who used power to get anything they wanted.. He really was starting to feel weary of him..

He had a feeling Craig was friends with him.. to get to his sister, yet nothing would happen between them since the way he treated her.. there were certain things that you just did not do to a girl.. and he did all of them, yet it was not exactly like he had the brain capacity to do anything else so it was partially understandable and very annoying.

Once he had finished his cake he slid back into the main group of people a small laugh escaping him as he saw people coming down the stairs complaining that some girl had kicked them away from there. Seth did not know Craig actually was inside now, and instead got into the dance scene a little.. yet could not help but feel a little worried as if something was up.. after this song he would check it out.

Craig had made it through the people undetected before heading for her room, he had followed her to it watching as she entered, the door closing on his as he made it to it, he hesitated just for now before opening the door and entering the room, He moved quickly his hand covering over her mouth so that she could not make a sound "Hello Haley.. How about I finish what we started earlier.. before your brother kindly gave me a good punch..." He laughed his spare hand sliding around a little,his legs on top of her to keep her from going anywhere.

Haley peered up into the darkness, eyes trying to adjust to the absence of light. Little patterns on the ceiling were found, tracing them around. She sang herself a song, giggling when she noticed herself completely out of tune. Though she didn't know exactly how early or late it was, she felt herself growing tired. The traces of alcohol flowed through her veins, both heating her body and lulling her into drowsiness.

Pushing herself farther up onto the bed, she stretched before curling up into the comfort of the mattress. Eyes were closed, mind was beginning to shut down and drift off into a dreamworld. The creaking of the door, followed by the cracks of light from the hallway, disturbed her. She could make out a dark figure moving emerging quickly from the shadows, but the initial thought that it was Seth caused her no alarm.

The hand to her mouth was still no reason for a stir. She stayed motionless, though her eyes tried to make out his features. It was only when he spoke her name with that tone that she realized it was not Seth. The all-too-familiar voice rattled her, sending her pulse into a race. A muffled scream poured against his hand, her arms reaching up to try to push him away. Being that he was stronger, she was no match for him as he nearly immobilized her. She pushed with all her strength against his legs, trying desperately to move him. Fear turned her tanned complexion snow white, though she knew he couldn't tell that in the dark.

"Get off of me!" She screamed, unsure of whether anyone could hear her. Given the combination of the distance and the music, she doubted it. "I mean it!" She cried again, her words being drowned out by the pounding of her heart.