(As promised from the story description) Pairings: Zack X Aerith, Cloud X Tifa, Squall X Rinoa, Tidus X Yuna, Zidane X Garnet, Snow X Serah

Please note these are only some of the pairings and they may or may not change. These are just the ways things are for the first couple chapters. Telling you all of the pairings would spoil some of the story. And that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? (:

On another note, Hey! Hi! Hello! Thank you for reading this! Hopefully, you will feel enticed to read, review and subscribe to this story. Much appreciated if you do! On a side note, every time I think about Hope or listen to his theme, I get emotional. He's just too cute! My sister thinks I'm insane.

Have an excellent day!

Serah Farron nervously pulled on the nylon seatbelt. It seemed like it was the only thing holding her down to the Earth. If I could, I would just float up and away. Serah thought. There's no high school in the clouds.

Serah's older sister, Lightning, put her foot to the floor in an attempt to make the yellow light at the intersection. As the light flicked from yellow to red, Lightning slammed on the breaks and the beat-up, white station wagon lurched to a halt. She had always been kind of a crazy driver. Lightning swore under her breath from the driver's seat. "We're going to be a little late, guys."

"You don't have to drive like a maniac, you know." Hope said. Serah looked over and smiled, glad he was able to verbalize what she was feeling.

A couple years ago, the Farron's mother died from illness. Their father having died right after Serah was born, the sisters were left with no other family. Serah could still vividly remember the day some distant cousin three times removed or whatever came to pick them up. The moment the man walked through the door, Lighting made it clear she would not go. Of course, Serah refused as well. If she couldn't be with her sister, there was no point in going. After hours of trying to convince the girls, the man finally decided to sign them off as emancipated minors. He probably wouldn't have taken care of us anyway. Serah thought, frowning. He sent a check every once in a while. The money helped them make it through the month, but it was sometimes had to make ends meet. Even so, the girls were just happy to be together.

The Estheims had moved in next door to the Farron sisters soon after. Serah and Hope, being the same age, had become fast friends. Even Lighting had a soft spot for the cheerful and naïve boy. Hope smiled back at Serah.

Lightning turned around and glared at Hope. "Who's a maniac?"

She turned back around and Serah and Hope giggled quietly.

"Just be careful driving, Lightning." Serah said. "It's fine if we're a bit late."

But it wasn't really. Would she have enough time to find her locker? To get to her first class on time? What about finding her friends? Why do I have to be late on the first day of my freshman year? She had never wanted to fly away more in her life.

But then she remembered Snow. All of a sudden, it wasn't the seatbelt holding her to the Earth. It was him. She smiled.

Snow had been her boyfriend for a couple months now. At first, Lightning wasn't too thrilled about it, especially since he was a year older. But once she saw that he really cared for her, she didn't mind him.

And now we're going to finally be at the same school! Serah thought, excitedly. I hope we have the same lunch period. Maybe we have some free periods or electives together. What electives did I sign up for again?

Serah was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice that they had pulled up to the school. The hulking brick building was surrounded by grassy areas and benches. Off in the distance, Serah could see the football field. There were some people hanging out over there, but most were heading for the giant double doors under the sign that read "Lighton High School".

"Serah," Lightning said, twisting back to face her sister. "Hello?"

Serah snapped back to Earth. "Oh, we're here."

"Okay, so if anyone gives you any problems-"

"I tell you. I know, I know." Serah said, giggling. She knew it was just her sister's way of saying "Have a good day".

"Hey, what about me?" Hope asked, pouting.

"Yeah, yeah," Lightning said, nodding as she kicked open the driver's side door. She grabbed her backpack and hopped out.

Serah giggled and followed suit, gingely opening the door and stepping out onto the pavement. She picked up her pink backpack she had just bought and closed the door. Hope did the same.

The two looked at each other.

"Ready?" Hope asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Serah answered, with an uneasy smile. Hope smiled back before starting to walk up to the giant double doors.

She took a deep breath before following.