Takes place between Season 2 & Season 3…

Alita's POV:

"Thanks again for inviting me on your trip." I said to Jeremy as I slid into the seat next to him. He had invited me to come with him on his family's trip to the beach.

"Don't worry about it." Jeremy said. "I didn't want you to be alone after…well, everything that happened on the last day of school…"

I nodded. It had been weighing on my mind during the few weeks school had been out…

"I'm fine." I said, knowing what he was about to ask. Even though his parents weren't back yet, I scooted a little bit closer & lowered my voce to a whisper. "I've actually been to the Hermitage a few times. I want to clean it up a little…"

"Did you find anything interesting about Lyoko?" he asked, also whispering.

"I haven't really worked up the nerve to start yet…" I said. "I think that I'm still getting used to all these memories." I smiled as one came to mind. "You know, my father took me to the beach once, too…I was really young, & I can remember him bringing a bag of mini doughnuts back to the hotel room when he came back from his morning walk…"

"That sounds really nice." Jeremy said.

"It was." I said. "…Do you think I'll ever see him again?" I whispered softly.

"Of course you will."

"Really?" I asked. "I've been checking the supercomputer every day, but there's been no sign of anything…"

"We'll find him." Jeremy whispered softly. "We'll bring him home, Alita. I promise." We were sitting very close to each other now. We looked into each other's eyes. It was a perfect moment…& we leaned closer together to share a sweet kiss…

"Are you kids ok back there?"

Jeremy & I leapt apart, sliding back to our respective seats as quickly as possible.

"We're great, Dad, thanks." Jeremy said. We were both trying to pretend that Mr. Belpois hadn't caught us in the middle of the kiss…

"I bought a bag of mini doughnuts while I was in there." Mr. Belpois said. "Just in case you guys get hungry. We still have a few more hours to drive…"

"Thanks, Mr. Belpois." I said as he gave me the bag. I took one before passing the bag to Jeremy & buckling my seatbelt.

As we pulled out of the gas station, I noticed that Jeremy had just causally laid his arm in the space between us. I glanced up front. Mr. Belpois was busy driving & Mrs. Belpois was reading a magazine. I took a deep breath & reached over to lay my hand on top of Jeremy's. I smiled, & so did he.

As long as Jeremy was by my side, I knew I'd be able to handle anything…

I've wanted to do a collection of one shots for a long time…& the Writing Month on XANA's Lair gave me the perfect opportunity!

Basically, we're attempting something similar to NaNoWrMo, but with a smaller word cont for a goal. Then again, those of you who are familiar with my writing style know that for me to finish a story in a month would be a miracle…but I hope I'm up to the challenge…

Please review!