Ok, I'm not exactly sure when this book is set. It's sometime after Tom broke up with Elizabeth--and after Nick Fox's death--but before the twins' sophomore year. Please note: I don't know (or simply can't remember) what happened to the whole Danny/Isabella situation in the actual series. If you know what book that got resolved in (or if it did at all), please comment! If you have any suggestions as to when it could more preceisely be set, please comment!

Disclaimer: Obviously, these characters are not my own! But I am trying to create an original storyline, based on the way I've always wanted things to go, and ideas I've had over the years (isn't that the definition of a fan fiction?). I'd love to hear your suggestions, as I'm a first-time fanfic writer!

"I would do anything to get Elizabeth back," Tom Watts announced to his mirror.

He stared at his reflection. What a mess I've made of everything. The only girl I've ever really loved hates my guts, he thought. I can't go back into journalism. The grades I've slaved over and the TV station I lived for are absolutely sunk.

After he left WSVU, the quality of programming on the station had deteriorated, and the already-meager staff didn't have the dedication to keep it together. The station had run its final news program at 6:30 last night.

And it's all my fault, Tom thought glumly. I threw away journalism for a physical education major, which I hate. I quit studying--for what? A bunch of keg parties! No wonder Liz doesn't want anything to do with me. I wouldn't want to date me, much less be associated in any way with me.

Danny, his roommate, entered the room. "What are you doing, Watts? Admiring your hairdo?" It was a feeble joke. Lately, their room was completely depressing. Formerly, it had been a place of laughter and companionship. Now it was a place where they could sit in silence, neither one willing to talk about their misery.

"Nothing," Tom mumbled. "I have a football game tonight." With a pang, he remembered how, several years ago, he had been wracked with guilt over the death of his parents. Danny had stuck by him the entire time, never once forcing him to talk, but always encouraging him to get out and enjoy life.

I haven't only been a crappy boyfriend, but a crappy friend as well, he mused. Why can't I be the kind of friend to Danny that he was to me?

Tom looked over at Danny, who was staring blankly at his book. He hadn't turned a page since he opened it. Tom knew why it was so hard for Danny to concentrate.

Isabella Ricci, Danny's girlfriend, had amnesia. Her parents had shipped her off to Switzerland, where she was attempting to put back the pieces of her life and regain her lost memory. Even if he could afford to fly to Switzerland, Danny was not allowed to visit her. The rules of the institution strictly forbade visitation by anyone other than her parents.

She had left four weeks ago, and since then, Danny had lived like a hermit, barely ever leaving the room. Well, that's got to change, Tom thought. He knew better than to try the direct approach, though.

Here goes nothing. He cleared his throat. "It's a playoff game, you know."

Danny barely looked at him. "Uh-huh."

"Why--" His voice had suddenly become high-pitched– "Why don't you come today?"

Danny tossed the book on the floor, then stood up. "Why don't I make a deal with you, Tombo?" He didn't wait for an answer. "You quit going to keg parties for consolation, and I'll think about a social life at some point. Until then, thanks, but no thanks." He strode out the door without a backward glance.

"That went well," Tom told the mirror sarcastically.

xxxxxxx

Jessica Wakefield was sick of relationships.

In the second semester of her freshman year, she was ready to quit dating completely. Everytime she got serious with a man, something tragic would happen to him. Or he'd have some secret from his past that would suddenly pop up and ruin everything.

Christian. Sam. Mike. Louis. Nick. The list just seems to go on and on. Why can't I find someone who'll stay with me–for good? Is it too much towant a relationship that'll last? She turned over in her bed, the sleep refusing to leave her eyes, but the thoughts racing through her brain at an enormous speed.

Last night's date was no exception. A member of one of the most popular fraternities on campus, Luke Fratman had seemed perfect. Until he had told her, with his mouth stuffed full of burrito, that he had a girlfriend at another school already. "Is that ok with you?" He had asked casually.

"Well, actually...no." Jessica had said. They had sat in a very awkward silence for several minutes, and then abruptly ended the date.

Jessica lay in her bed, her frustration growing with every minute. "I am so sick of men!"

Her twin sister, Elizabeth, laughed. "I don't think that's ever happened before," she said as she began to dress for the day.

"Laugh if you want," Jessica said, her pretty mouth pursed in a scowl. "But I'm not dating again–ever. You'll see."

"Could we lay money on that?" Elizabeth asked. "Because there's this book I've been wanting to get..."

"Ha. Ha." Jessica stretched her arms, and sat up. "Just you wait, Elizabeth. I'm going to be the old spinster aunt that comes to visit your kids all the time. I'll have no life of my own. Tom or Todd or whoever the heck you're married to will get si--"

"I won't ever date Tom or Todd again, much less marry them," Elizabeth cut in firmly. "Listen, Jess, Todd and I are just friends now. And Tom is definitely out of my life for good."

"Poor old Tom is still mooning over you," Jessica said, trying to decide between her new pink shirt and her yellow tank top. "He saw me last night–you know, when I borrowed your new black suit–and thought I was you for a couple minutes. He kept trying to get my attention. Until he realized it was me, that is."

"He did?" Despite herself, Elizabeth couldn't hide her interest. "What did he say?"

"Oh, I won't bore you with the details," Jessica said coyly, heading into their bathroom. "After all, why would I do that? Like you said, Tom is out of your life for good." She shut the door, a smile on her face.

Several minutes later, she heard an irritated voice: "Wait a minute, you borrowed my new suit?"

xxxxxxxxx

Steven Wakefield walked into his apartment with a smile on his face. Today was the most important day of his life.

It was all set: A walk on the beach, followed by dinner for two at the fanciest restaurant in town. He had saved for months to buy the ring. And he was fairly sure he'd be able to persuade the lady.

Well, sort of. They hadn't talked about marriage for a long time, but Steven knew that Billie was in the relationship for keeps. They had been living together for two years now, after all. They had a routine going, a solid background. They had been together through thick and thin. He was sure that Billie would agree it was time to move their relationship to the next level.

"Steven?" Billie called out from the bathroom.

"Yes, m'dear?" Steven answered, feeling like an idiot even as he said it. He couldn't stop grinning, either.

"Did you already take out the trash?" Billie asked, coming out from the bathroom. She looked even more beautiful than usual today.

"Yep, I already got it." He walked over to her and swooped her up in his arms. This is it. She is the one. Why wait any longer?

"What is with you today?" Billie asked, laughing.

"What on earth do you mean?" Steven asked, the stupid grin stubbornly refusing to leave his face.