Tia smiled tiredly at the next customer in line. "Hi, how can I help you?" she asked, her voice exuding happiness. It wasn't an act. Tia couldn't be happier. It was Christmas break, and she was back home in Sweet Valley. Sure, she lived in the dorms of her University, but this was home. She didn't care that she was working in her parents deli, she didn't care that she smelt like meat, she didn't care that her feet hurt, and she didn't care that she'd been working at the cash for 3 hours straight. She was just estatic to be home. Ever since she'd left for University, she'd missed home. It was even worse seeing as none of her friends had ended up at the same University. Not one. Even Jessica and Elizabeth had been seperated. Furthermore, she hadn't seen any of them since the summer, and the last time she had talked to the majority of them was at the beginning of the year. Everything had changed; and Tia wasn't for it. Her and Trent had broken up in late October. They couldn't handle being apart. Tia would never blame Angel for their break-up anymore. Now that she had headed off to University, she too understood how hard it was to stay in touch, and to live two seperate lives. Maybe that was why she hadn't talked to her friends too much. They had different lives now. Her happy mood had evaporated slowly. I can't help wishing it were Senior Year again... even though there was tons of drama, it was the best year of high school for me. The bell jingled. Another customer. "Mr and Mrs.Marsden!" Tia exclaimed jumping up with happiness. "Tia! Wow you look great sweetie! How are you? How have you been? How's School? What's new? Gosh it's so amazing to see you!" Mrs.Marsden said that in nearly one breath as she dashed over to hug Tia. Tia returned the hug and replied "You too, I'm so happy to be home, My year has been okay, schools fun, I'm so happy to be here, and I'm happy to see you! Did I miss anything?" she said with a giggle. Mrs.Marsden smiled warmly at Tia. "Wow.. Sweet Valley sure has been empty without you kids. Thank gosh you'll all be home for the holidays!" Tia's jaw dropped."Everyone is coming back?!?!" She asked, astounded. What fun that would be... a little reunion would definitely be necessary.. Tia thought, smiling coyly. "Well.. actually I'm not to sure if everyone is coming, but I know that Andy definitely is." Tia's heart dropped slightly... it wasn't that she was not excited to see Andy... but she wanted everyone to be there. EVERYONE. As in Elizabeth, Jessica, Conner, Andy, Evan, Jeremy, Jade, Maria, Ken, all of them. She wanted them all there. But at least she and Andy could hang out... just like the old days.. tears welled up in her eyes. She definitely missed Senior Year. "Tia? Tia? Sweetie, do you think we could get some blackforest ham?" Mrs.Marsden looked at Tia with guilt in her eyes. "Oh of course! Don't feel bad! I'm just being my regular spacey self..." and as Tia smiled, her trademark dimple appeared. "Here you go, 150 g of Black Forest Ham. It was great seeing you!"
"The pleasure was ours Tia!" As Mr and Mrs.Marsden left, Tia glanced at the clock. 4:55 pm. 2 hours and 5 minutes until her shift was done. Great... this is going to be the longest shift in the history of Mankind.

"Liz? Can you pass me that sweater over there?" Elizabeth smiled at her friend. "Yeah, sure." she said, tossing over the sweater. "Umm Liz? What's wrong? You seem very.. preoccupied..."
Liz sighed. "I don't really know Sandie... I'm going back to Sweet Valley for the holidays... and it's just..." she paused, trying to find the appropriate word.
"Strange? Weird?" Sandie supplied.
"Yeah.. basically. Don't get me wrong... Senior year was amazing.. awesome.. heartwrenching... drama-filled...intense.." Elizabeth broke off, her voice thick with emotion. She could never forget everything that had happened... and although it had been 6 months since she and Conner had their conversation at Universal Studios.. the one where he said they would never be anything more than friends, the pain was still fresh in her heart. She had tried to forget him, she had other boyfriends, but it seemed he was the one she could never forget. Sandie gazed at Elizabeth sympathetically. "I'm sorry Liz.. I know we've only known each other for a few months, but you're honestly my best friend. I don't know what I would do without you. You deserve better than Conner- I know you are gonna try and deny it's him you're worried about seeing, but Liz I know you. Look, I have faith in you. Go back home and have fun. Don't let him stop you. You're just letting him have control over your life!" Sandie's words were true, as much as Liz wanted to deny them. She picked up a picture frame off her night-table. Prom 2003. Somehow, she had managed to get a picture of them all together. Even Conner. And he was glowing with happiness. Of course that was the night they had hooked up. So why did he crush her hopes the next day? I'm thinking about this again... geez... Elizabeth thought and she let out a moan of frustration. Sandie looked at her with a sad smile. "Liz.. look. Don't let one guy ruin Christmas. You're stronger than that. Now go catch your flight to L.A! You're gonna be late!" Elizabeth giggled. "Thanks for everything Sandie.. for keeping me together this year.. you know I love you!" Sandie smiled warmly at Liz. "I know I know.. I'm fabuloussss! Now GO!" Elizabeth laughed. "Alright, Alright! I'll go! Thanks so much Sandie, I love you!" Elizabeth and Sandie hugged for the bamillionth time. "Bye bye dorm! I know I will NOT miss you!" Liz giggled as she grabbed her bags. So Conner and her weren't together. So what? That didnt mean anything whatsoever! She was still going to go home and see her family and friends, and no one was going to stop her. For all she knew Conner wasn't even going to be coming home. In her head, she repeated the words of one of her favourite songs. I am ready, I am ready, I am... fine.