AUTHOR'S NOTES

This is a sequel to Second Chances, but you don't necessarily have to have read that one to follow this one.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Full House'; the rights belong to Warner Brothers and creator Jeff Franklin. I am not making a cent off of this story.

EDITORS: Angela/Heather :)

RATING: Teen: PG-13, for Violence/Language.

GENRE: Suspense/Romance/Drama.

ROMANTIC PAIRINGS: This one is Stephanie-Centric, so even though it does contain the Non-Traditional Pairing of Jesse/Kimmy; they are not the main focus. For those of you familiar with my previous story it is Stephanie/Dean, Joey/Carmen, and Danny/Original-Created Character Friendship.

CHARACTER DEATH WARNING: This is the same universe so no Becky Katsopolis, however she is referred to a couple of times.

~Lisa.

Chapter One - Summer Ends, School Begins

Excerpt from Regina J. Powell's Diary

Sunday, August 30th 1998

Dear Diary,

I remember the first time I met Stephanie Tanner. I even recall the exact date – it was October 10th 1997. Am I smart, or what? I started Bayview High School at the beginning of my sophomore year, because my parents wanted a change of scenery. At first I was furious at them for forcing me to change schools in the middle of High School, but upon meeting Stephanie it all made sense. I truly believe it was my destiny to attend Bayview High School. Do you believe in destiny?

Since Stephanie is the major focus of this diary, I need to make one crucial point very clear. I ALWAYS refer to Stephanie as Stephanie, never Steph! I can't stand it when people shorten people's names like that – it drives me crazy! Someone once had the nerve to refer to me as Reg, and they quickly regretted it. I mean Reg – doesn't that just sound so pathetic?

Anyway, it was actually Gia Mahan who first introduced me to Stephanie. Gia had heard I was amazing on the keyboard (which I am), and at the time they were looking for someone to join their band 'Girl Talk'. Their current keyboard player was widely disliked, and besides that she was in college, and 'Girl Talk' was supposed to be a high school band. Don't you just love the name 'Girl Talk'? Stephanie came up with it of course.

I can't even pin down exactly what it was that first drew me to Stephanie, but right from that first meeting there was just something about her, and I knew she would be the ultimate best friend to have. Of course upon getting to know her I realized that my initial assessment had been one hundred percent correct. Stephanie Tanner turned out to be smart, beautiful, talented, friendly, generous, and so much more. Best of all she seemed to genuinely like me, and I knew she would never let me down. Not like the last best friend I had, she turned out to be a big traitor! But enough about that – this diary is about STEPHANIE!!!

I know what you are thinking – you thought that Gia Mahan was Stephanie's best friend. Well you are wrong – she never was. Stephanie is just too kind to tell Gia the truth, so as to spare her feelings. I have to admit though, just between you and me, I am a little upset with Stephanie. I hate the fact that she doesn't acknowledge me as her rightful best friend. Oh well, for now I will WAIT, and I'm sure Stephanie will come through for me soon!

Regina and Stephanie – Best Friends Forever!!!

Yours,

Regina J. Powell

"I can't believe I have Mr. Ginn for English this semester," Gia Mahan moaned, slamming her locker in defeat. "I've heard rumors that he is way harsh. And you know how hopeless I am at English already."

Leaning against her locker, Stephanie Tanner smiled sympathetically, "Don't stress. If he turns out to be that bad, I'll be happy to help you out."

Gia returned her smile, "Thanks Steph! You're the best!" Slinging her book bag over her right shoulder, she followed Stephanie down the crowded hall.

"I wonder how Michelle's handling Junior High!" Stephanie said, quickly dodging to the right, as an oncoming student moving at high speed almost collided with her. "How time flies – it seems like just yesterday that I was starting Junior High."

"I remember," Gia said, waving at two passing football players, who called out a 'hi' to her and Stephanie. "That was the year we met. It seems stupid now to think we were enemies initially."

"Well you were quite different in those days," Stephanie remarked, acknowledging the football players' greeting with a smile.

Gia nodded in agreement, "For a start I wouldn't have cared which teacher I had for English – I just wouldn't have shown up for class."

Gia and Stephanie heard footsteps behind them, and a breathless voice called out, "Gia! Stephanie! Wait up!"

The girls half turned, and then stopped, as their friend, and fellow band member, Drummer, Melissa Morgan raced to catch up with them.

"Hey!" Melissa struggled to catch her breath. "Where are you guys headed? Do either of you have American History first period?"

Stephanie shook her head, "Sorry, but no. I have computer science, and Gia is on her way to English."

Melissa face showed disappointment, "Damn, it would have been great to have at least one of you guys in my class. Steph, I share Homeroom with Regina, and she has computer science first period as well, so at least you will have her to sit next to."

Stephanie smiled, but inwardly she wasn't overly thrilled. Stephanie liked Regina well enough, and she was fantastic for their band, but there was just something slightly off about her that Stephanie couldn't quite put her finger on.

"Man, being back at school bites!" Gia said, as they climbed the stairs to the second floor. "Just think if I hadn't been held back a grade, this would have been my last year of High School. College sounds so much cooler – all those parties, hot college guys, and dorm life … free from my mom."

"Berkeley sounds like a decent school," Stephanie said. "Dean's really excited about attending." Her boyfriend of two months, Dean Barton, would be matriculating as a freshman, when classes began next week.

"Your boyfriend is so cute," Melissa said wistfully.

"All the boys at this school are so lame," Gia rolled her eyes.

"You would know, you've dated most of them," Stephanie joked, but good-naturedly.

Gia stuck out her tongue at her.

"Well here's my stop," Melissa paused outside Room 209. "Bye Steph! Bye Gia!"

"Later, Mel."

"See you Mel."

"Computer science should be just up ahead I think." Stephanie consulted her schedule, "Yeah here it is. Good luck in English Gia."

"Catch you at lunch Steph!" Gia waved, and was soon swept up in the crowd of people, all frantically scrambling to find the right class before the final bell.

Entering the classroom, Stephanie immediately spotted Regina Powell seated third row from the front. Scanning the room she recognized a couple of students she would have preferred to sit next to, but would have felt mean, treating Regina that way.

Regina looked up, as she approached. "Hi Stephanie!" she gushed. "I had no idea you were in this class – awesome!"

Stephanie gave a small smile, hanging her book bag on the back of the chair. "Thanks. Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. I love anything involving using computers."

Regina nodded, "Me too. Did you know we are going to be using the new Windows '98 this semester?"

Stephanie's smile became more genuine, "Really? Very cool!"

Regina cleared her throat, "Stephanie, how are things with that awful girl who's dating your uncle?" she asked, her manner aggressive.

Stephanie was slightly taken aback by her harsh tone. It was one thing for her to criticize Kimmy, but she had no idea what Regina had against her. Of course, Kimmy was known for making enemies all over the place, so it was quite possible that Kimmy had offended Regina somewhere along the way.

"Er – okay," Stephanie said casually, not wanting to give Regina too much information. She was comfortable moaning about Kimmy to Dean or Gia, but Regina wasn't a close friend.

Regina opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the final bell. Standing in front of the black board, the computer science teacher Ms. Proctor, called the class to attention

"Good morning students. Welcome to Eleventh Grade Computer Science. We have a full and productive year ahead of us, and hopefully a fun one as well. As you are probably aware, you will all be set up with school accounts allowing you access to an e-mail address, and AIM, the Instant Messenger program for 'America Online'." This revelation was met with excited whispering, prompting Ms. Proctor to hold up her hand, to silence the class.

"You are welcome to add contacts outside of school – friends, family, even parents if you wish to – " Several students scoffed at this. " – however all content will be strictly monitored and any abuse of this privilege may results in suspension or cancellation of your account, depending upon the severity of the action."

"Instructions on setting up your e-mail and AIM are on the board, but the prompts on your computer screen should be pretty straight forward. Once your accounts are activated, you will have access to the computers in Room 312, as well as the library. Either of these options will be available to you, before school, throughout your lunch break, during Free or Study periods, and at any other time, provided you have permission from a teacher or member of faculty." Ms. Proctor paused to glance at the clock by the door. "Right, I'm pretty sure that covers everything. You will have the next 30 minutes to set up, and organize your accounts. Your time starts now."

Stephanie spent the next ten minutes, installing e-mail and AIM, accomplishing both tasks easily enough. Gia, Dean, DJ, and her uncle, quickly became 'buddies' on AIM, followed by various school friends (Melissa, and Regina included), and a couple of teachers. Adding her dad was not an issue as he wasn't a fan of 'Instant Messaging', deeming it a 'Young Persons' activity. Joey didn't have an account either, but she did add his new girlfriend Carmen. Stephanie debated over whether to add Kimmy, but decided against it. She saw enough of her around the house, and couldn't imagine chatting with Kimmy during school time, or god forbid, asking her for homework advice!!!

Out of the corner of her eye Stephanie noticed Regina watching her. She had obviously finished setting up her own computer, as her hands were folded in her lap, rather than on the keyboard.

Observing Stephanie's gaze on her, Regina said, "I really love that top you're wearing Stephanie. Where did you get it?"

Stephanie smiled, as she was particularly proud of her latest clothing choice. She had spotted the top the previous Saturday, whilst shopping at the mall with DJ and Michelle, and hadn't been able to resist buying it. The style was basic; a square necked top with cap-sleeves, but what made it stand out was the ruching around the neckline. There had been several colors available, but Stephanie had chosen 'baby pink', which was all the rage at the moment, and suited her tanned skin and pale blonde hair well.

In answer to Regina's question she said, "It's from 'Wet Seal'."

"Ooh, I love their clothes," Regina enthused a little too loudly, earning her a frown from Ms. Proctor, who was assisting a student on the other side of the room.

"Those are cute earrings by the way," Stephanie admired. They were long and dangling, interweaved with tiny blue turquoise chips, and sterling silver glazed beads.

Smiling, Regina reached up to touch one, "Thanks Stephanie! I'm so glad you like them. What's your class schedule like? Do we share any other classes?"

With some reluctance, Stephanie reached into the front pocket of her jeans, and after unfolding it, handed her schedule to Regina.

Regina eagerly compared their subjects. "We have several classes together, as well as the same lunch hour."

"Gia has that lunch as well," Stephanie confirmed.

Stephanie couldn't be sure, as the look was fleeting, but Regina appeared disappointed by this news. Stephanie soon forgot about it though, as Ms. Proctor calling the class to attention again, advising them that their time was up.

Michelle Tanner arrived home from her first day at Van Atta Junior High feeling confidant. Her brand new hairstyle, an above the shoulders, feather cut, suggested by DJ and Stephanie, had been a success. Outfit wise she had opted for a V-neck pale blue T-shirt, teamed with an above the knee denim skirt, and her choice had paid off. She had received several compliments, including a smile from an Eighth Grade boy.

Upon entering the house, she was disappointed to find the kitchen empty. "Dad!" she yelled. "I'm home."

Danny Tanner bounded down the kitchen stairs, dust mop in hand. "Hi honey. How was your first day of Junior High?"

"It was great Dad," Michelle enthused. "At first I was a little worried, since Denise, Teddy, Lisa, and Derek all ended up at different Junior High's. You remember how lost Stephanie felt when the same thing happened to her?" She didn't even pause for her dad to answer. "But then I met up with Aaron, and we compared schedules and discovered we were in a couple of classes together. Then during Homeroom I started chatting to the girl sitting next to me and we just hit it off straight away. Her name is Samantha Ridgewood, and she is into Art, same as me, and we have the exact same schedules apart from one class. We even share the same lunch break, how cool is that!"

Danny was extremely happy for his youngest daughter. "That's amazing Michelle. I'm pleased your first day at a new school was so memorable. Danny shook his head, "I remember hoping that when DJ started Junior High they would send Kimmy to a different school, preferably far away, but unfortunately my wish did not come true."

Michelle giggled, "I don't think you're ever going to get rid of Kimmy now Dad!"

Danny sighed, "I think you're right." Picking up the dust mop from the kitchen bench he said, "Well I'd better get back to it. I want to finish dusting Steph's room before she gets home."

"Okay Dad." Michelle headed toward the fridge, intent on searching its contents for an after school snack.

Nicky Katsopolis came running into the kitchen then, via the living room, his brother Alex hot on his heels.

Michelle grinned, "Hey guys. How's life in the Second Grade?"

Nicky placed his book bag gently on the kitchen table. Danny had already laid out milk and cookies, and Nicky reached out to grab an Oreo cookie from the plate, "School was good. Amelia and I are in the same class." Nicky and Amelia Barton had met over the summer, and had become inseparable ever since.

Alex Katsopolis rolled his eyes, dropping his book bag on the floor, "We were allowed to choose where we sit. Nicky and Amelia are in the front row. Can you believe it? Me and my friend Scott sit in the back."

"It's Scott and I," Nicky corrected.

Michelle, busy making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, smiled at their antics.

Alex glared at his brother, "Oh for gods sake!"

"Alexander! I'd better not hear you using language like that again!" Jesse Katsopolis stood in the kitchen doorway. "And get your bag off the floor!"

"How do you know it's not Nick's?" Alex moaned, picking his bag up from the floor, and depositing it on a chair.

Jesse snorted, "Yeah right. Nick is turning out to be as tidy as your Uncle Danny, which is a scary thought."

"Truly terrifying," Michelle agreed.

Jesse sank down into a kitchen chair. "Michelle, would you mind keeping an eye on Nicky and Alex tonight? I'm not sure what Stephanie's plans are, but your dad will be around."

Michelle nodded, "No problem."

"Where are you going Dad?" Nicky asked.

Jesse ran a hand through his dark hair, "I have a dinner tonight with some people from the radio station – last minute thing, sorry guys."

"The radio station?" Alex exclaimed. "Does that mean Joey?"

Jesse nodded, "Uh-huh, and Kimmy, and Carmen. Why?"

"We were going to work on some more magic tricks." Alex and Joey had been spending a significant amount of time lately perfecting various magic tricks, and then performing them for the family.

"Sorry Al, tonight's out. But if it's any consolation, I'm sure Joey would rather be teaching magic tricks than attending this dinner tonight."