CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: WHO'S HE MAD AT NOW? (Draft 1)

James paced back and forth in Silver and Cherry's bedroom, swearing under his breath as Silver, Cherry and Tim watched in confusion. 

Silver leaned in and whispered, "Why is he-" 

"He's mad," came Cherry's bored, monotone response. 

Tim leaned in as well, "At who?" 

Cherry groaned, burying her head in her hands, "Scarlet." 

James continued to pace around, "Isn't it convenient that she has a sleepover on the same night I wanted to talk to her and the Gemstones?" 

"Why can't you just lecture the Gems and give Scarlet a break. Talk to her tomorrow when she's back from her sleepover," Cherry suggested. 

"No!" James retorted, "I want them all to be present and attentive when I give them the talk of a lifetime." 

Cherry rolled her eyes and muttered, "You will never grow up." 

"What was that?" James asked furiously. 

"Nothing," Cherry smiled sweetly. 

"Where did Scarlet go anyway?" Silver asked, trying to de-escalate the tension between the twins. 

James let out a sarcastic chuckle, "That's the irony. SHE'S AT THE SPEED MANSION!" 

Cherry rolled her eyes again, "He's also frustrated ‘cause we were there earlier today." 

Tim frowned, "Since when was she friends with Flame and Blaze?" 

Silver shook her head, "Probably Blaze, Flame doesn't make friends remember?" 

Cherry shrugged, "Neither does Scarlet." 

Suddenly there was a knock on their bedroom door. 

The four siblings shared a confused glance. It was midnight. Were they making too much noise? 

"Come in!" Silver called. 

Blue opened the door with a mischievous smile, "We were bored." 

James raised an eyebrow, "We?" 

Sage and Violet popped their heads behind her. 

"We!" The three announced in unison. 

Cherry chuckled, "Well 'we' better head to bed before Mount James erupts." 

The Gemstones came into the bright room. Sage grinned as Blue smirked, "What's he mad about now?" 

James rolled his eyes at his youngest sister, "Don't be so cocky, sister. It could be you." 

Blue gulped, "It wasn't me I swear!" 

"Well, it wasn't me!" Sage countered. 

"I'm innocent I swear!" Violet protested. 

James frowned, "It's Scarlet but–" 

He grinned, "I'm curious what you three have done now." 

Blue laughed, "Nothing. But we're curious on what our beloved Red has done to earn such honour of being the subject of our eldest brother's anger now." 

"Red?" Silver questioned. 

"A friend of hers gave her that nickname," Sage explained. 

"Blue told us!" Violet nodded in agreement. 

The six siblings turn towards Blue. 

"Was it Blaze?" Tim inquired, trying to find out more. 

Blue shrugged, "I don't know. I think it was this guy named Flame." 

Cherry burst out laughing as her overprotective twin brother clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly. Silver smiled, "Guess someone recognised our little Flame's charisma, right Tim?" 

Tim frowned, "Surely she's friends with our optimistic and outgoing Blaze?" 

Blue nodded, "She only has like four friends – Blaze, Flame, Gio and Chloe." 

Tim tilted his head, "I know Blaze, Flame and Chloe... But who's Gio?" 

Blue smirked, “Maybe it’s her boyfriend~” 

James growled as the Gems fell to the floor, shaking with laughter. Cherry placed her hand on his shoulder, “Chill, she’s kidding.” 

Blue whistled innocently, “Or am I?” 

The four girls laughed as Cherry and Tim attempted to hold a furious James down, doing their best to keep him from attacking her.