This is probably the longest chapter I have ever written so far!

This is the revised version of the original chapter, so there has been some changes made.

Enjoy!


Dick pulled his car along the road of the large mansion, Wayne Manor. Bruce had decided to move from Gotham to Jump for work and for the excellent school systems. Dick had been placed in the Jump City school system in middle school, and after Dick graduates from high school, Bruce will move back to the original Wayne Manor in Gotham. Even though this wasn't the true Wayne Manor, it resembled it almost identically. He parked his car and walked through the large front door. Alfred immediately greeted him. "Ah, Master Dick. How was your afternoon?" Alfred politely asked as he took Dick's bag. Dick smiled calmly. "Afternoon, Alfred. I'm going to rest up. Tell me when dinner is ready?" He sighed. Alfred nodded and let the teenager walk up the stairs and into his room. When Dick shut his door, he immediately tumbled onto his bed. He realized how tired he was feeling, noticing that he was physically drained. But the teenager had something else on his mind.

Kori

He couldn't stop thinking about this girl. A girl he literally just met today. Yet, he felt like she was something different. He knew that from one look at her. He didn't know what it was, and it tore him apart like a caged beast. He felt something when she smiled at him or when she talked to him. That energy flew through his body every moment of being with her. Maybe it was just her looks, or the way she acted. But Dick sighed. Nothing was wrong with her. Maybe it was him… Dick shrugged the thought away. There wasn't anything wrong with him, right? He felt perfectly healthy, he can't be sick.

He sighed, rubbing his hand through his hair. Somehow, she was making him feel different. These emotions that were tormenting him and making him so exhausted. Did he like these feelings? No that can't be true, he thought. But what if he actually did…He wasn't sure what he thought anymore.

Before he could contemplate anymore over his thoughts, Dick heard the sound of Alfred's voice at his door. "Master Dick, dinner is ready." Alfred said, knocking lightly on his door. Dick, surprised at how long he had been thinking, replied back. "Oh...Coming Alfred." Dick stood up from his bed, walking out of his room. Alfred had already made it down the stairs to meet him. "All rested up I suppose, Master Dick?" Alfred asked politely. "Yeah, but right now I'm ready to eat. I'm starving." Dick chuckled, noticing his new found hunger. "Well I hope you find tonight's dinner will satiate any teens hunger. It is my famous spaghetti and meatballs." Alfred joked and hustled to the dining room to start serving dinner.

Dick sat at his end of the long, wooden table. When Dick was served his plate, Bruce walked in. The billionaire wore his causal clothing, which was a collared shirt and black slacks. He wasn't really the type to wear shorts and a t-shirt, so he never had anything but formal on. Bruce sat himself at the head of the table and thanked Alfred for his plate. "Come. Join us, Alfred. We are family here." Bruce stated. Alfred smiled and brought out his own plate. Bruce spoke after a short time, enjoying his dinner. "So Dick, how was school?" Bruce questioned, the seriousness never leaving his voice. Dick shrugged. "Normal. Just like any other day." Bruce nodded, accepting the answer and returned to his food. "Have you seen anyone new at school, Master Dick?" Alfred asked politely. Dick sucked in his breath. He slowly nodded his head. "Yeah, there are a few people…" Dick trailed off. He wasn't sure if he was ready to talk about Kori yet. Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Really? Have you met any personally?" Alfred continued. "Yeah, there is this girl I just met. She seems really nice and all of my friends like her." Dick replied hesitantly. Alfred and Bruce exchanged glances. Based on Dick's playboy history, he never really talked about any girls except his only serious relationship. Bruce shrugged slightly at Alfred, who looked worried and the two returned to their dinner. "So, had any big events at work?" Dick said, changing the subject. Bruce looked up, and spoke. "No, nothing unusual. There is a charity ball during the summer that I am planning on hosting. That is one thing I will need to talk to you about, Alfred." Bruce addressed. "It would be my pleasure to assist you, Master Bruce." Alfred nodded. Dick smiled softly to himself. Dick was adopted at the age of 8 by the billionaire. Being one of the richest people on the planet, you would think he would be a very pretentious guy. It was the complete opposite. He would often work with hundreds of charities and donates millions of dollars every year. And even though he didn't show it often, Bruce has a deep love for his family, his only real family left being Dick and Alfred. After dinner, Dick thanked Alfred for dinner and then departed to his room. He laid on his bed, and slipped into a much needed, deep sleep.

Rachel dove into her book. She had picked up her copy of The Telltale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe and started to read the story, which she had read almost a hundred times already. When her alarm went off, she groaned, placing the book down and started to get ready for school. She would always wake up before the damn clock, not knowing why she really had it in the first place. It never did her any good, only reminded her that time always moved on, with or without her.

When she was ready, she walked down the stairs of her father's old apartment, and stared at her sleeping father, who laid passed out on the old sofa after a night of heavy drinking. He would be out all day, probably skipping work again. Rachel didn't care much for her father. In fact, she never had any fond memories of him. Only her mother brought her happiness, and she disappeared, leaving Rachel behind with her father. He always had been a dead-beat, and she doesn't blame her mother for leaving. She only resented her mother for not bringing her with her.

She brushed past him and made a quick breakfast of oatmeal and tea. This is what she always ate in the morning. Her father would make little pay at his many jobs and he would never perform even daily chores. She only survived from her own part- time job, which helped pay rent and other necessities. When she finished her oatmeal, she grabbed her keys and walked out the door of the apartment. She found her car amongst the others, and jumped in to head for the high school.

She drove in silence usually, not caring for the shit that was played on the radio. Actually, she hated almost all the songs they would play. When she did listen to music, it was either classical or rock music. In fact, her favorite past time was listening to rock music while reading a good book.

When she arrived at the high school, she pulled into a small parking spot and exited her car. She walked calmly to the group's spot, where all her friends would meet in the morning. She was very early, and most of her friends were probably still sleeping, especially Gar and Wally, which usually were the last to arrive in the mornings. The meeting spot, as she suspected, was completely empty. It was at the top of the bleachers, in the very right corner, where no one bothered their group. Setting her things down, she sat down on the cold bleachers and waited. While waiting, she dove into her thoughts.

One of her thoughts was about the girl she met yesterday, Kori. She seemed very happy and bright, a little overwhelming for Rachel's dark and anti-social personality. But maybe they could be friends. She seemed very nice, and Rachel could tell that she was also very sincere. In fact, she should probably tell her about their meeting spot, just so she doesn't end up being alone in the mornings. Rachel definitely knew what that felt like. Having an anti-social personality doesn't win you many friends. The only friend who really brought her to this group was Garfield. He would sit by her in middle school, and he would always invite her to their group, despite his friend's disapproval. After a while, they finally warmed up to her, and she was accepted into the group, all thanks to Gar, who now was one of her best friends.

Rachel pulled out her phone, and texted Kori. "Hey, sorry if I am waking you up. All the group meets in the morning at the top of the bleachers on the football field. Will I see you there?" She texted. After a few minutes, Kori texted back. "Good Morning Friend! I am always awake at this hour, so do not worry about disturbing my slumber. I will absolutely meet you there as soon as I am able!" Rachel could almost hear her joyful voice shining through the phone. She only waited about 10 minutes before Kori showed up to meet her. She saw her pull up in a white SUV, waving to the man driving her, which looked like her father. Kori walked to where Rachel had said they would meet, noticed Rachel, and skipped all the way up the stairs. "Friend, it's most joyous to see you this morning!" Kori beamed at Rachel. "Good morning. The others will be here a lot later. I am usually the first one here. I guess i will have someone to talk to now." Rachel smiled, "Indeed. My guardian always goes to work fairly early, so it would be no hassle to meet a friend early in the mornings." Kori stated jubilantly. "You mentioned your guardian. Is he your father?" Rachel asked politely, while taking a sip of her tea. "Oh, no. My guardian is not of my family line. He was a close friend to my father's. He took guardianship of me after I left Tamaran… " Kori sighed slightly. Rachel studied Kori's face, and ceased any questions about her family. She could tell in her eyes, it was a touchy subject. "So, how do you like our little group?" Rachel asked, changing the subject. Kori immediately lit up. "Oh, they are glorious! You all are wonderful and I am very appreciative of the kindness everyone has shown me! Especially you, friend. Without your kindness, I wouldn't be sitting her now." Rachel examined her words and found that they held honesty. She smiled. "When I saw that incident with Kitten and her friends yesterday, I wanted to stand up for you. It's very hard to find good people in this school, and it took me a while to really warm up to the others. But you won't have to deal with getting well acquainted with everyone. I think you will fit in with us very well." Rachel assured. "Oh, I hope you are correct!" Kori squealed.

Rachel took another sip of her tea and decided to read a little. She pulled out her book, Kori noticing it with a puzzled look. "What book do you engage in the reading activity, friend?" Kori asked. "A story by Edgar Allen Poe. Have you heard of him?" Rachel stated. "I am afraid I have not. Why don't you tell me a little about him?" Kori smiled. "Well he was an American poet and author that wrote many stories during the early 18th century. The story I am reading now is called The Telltale Heart." Rachel explained. Kori smiled brightly. "It sounds like an interesting story. Please explain a brief summary." She asked. "It's basically about an unnamed narrator. The whole story is about him trying to convince the reader of his sanity while describing a murder he committed." Rachel continued. Kori studied her words and grinned. "Sounds interesting. You seem to enjoy the particular author." Kori noted. Rachel chuckled. 'Yeah. Poe is a creative genius. He is one of the best authors of all history." She praised. "Other amazing authors that I like are Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Shakespeare." Rachel acclaimed. "It seems you have a strong passion for the literary arts." Kori stated. Rachel smiled. "Yeah. It's been a lifelong goal of mine to become a writer." Rachel added. "That is a wonderful goal!" Kori squealed with delight. "I am not sure what I would do as an adult. It has not crossed my mind for a very long time…" Kori trailed off. Rachel cocked her head slightly. "Is there something you are interested in?" Rachel asked. "Well, I believe art would be of interest. But I am not sure if I am even close to a competent artist." Kori exclaimed. "You should at least explore the idea of becoming an artist. You can always change your mind if you don't like doing it." Rachel proclaimed. Kori smiled. "I will think about it." Kori said.

She then sighed with delight and laid her back against the top of the bleachers. "It is nice being here. If you do not mind, I would like to participate in this "girl talk" every morning." Kori proclaimed. Rachel thought carefully and nodded hesitantly. "Sure…I'm not really used to having girl talks with anyone. But I think it will be okay." Rachel agreed. Kori squealed with delight. "Oh, most glorious friend!"

As the two returned to their conversation, they were interrupted by the loud laughter and talking of some of Kitten's friends, who were walking toward the opposite end of the bleachers. They gossiped with each other, gazing in the direction of Rachel and Kori. Rachel caught their stares and returned with a glare sharper than daggers, which seemed to somewhat silence them.

Kori, confused by the others gossiping, turned to Rachel. "What do they say to each other?" Kori asked puzzled. Rachel turned back to Kori, and shook her head in annoyance. "Likely they are talking about us. It's probably best to ignore them." Rachel sighed calmly. "But why would they talk about us. Have we done something wrong? I know they do not like us. But is there nothing to talk about?" Kori pleaded. Rachel chuckled slightly. "They always have something to "gossip" about with each other." She stated. "They just talk about us without any reason. Probably making fun of us. Some people are just like that." Rachel added. "Oh…" Kori sighed. The two girls continued to whisper to each other, whilst Kori and Rachel sat quietly with each other, waiting for the others to show up

Dick showed up first. He was always the first one to show, next to Rachel. When he arrived, he was shocked to see Kori there. Kitten's friends waved and shouted at him, asking him to come sit with them. He hesitated, questioning his decision to act his playboy ways, or to sit with his friends. He looked up to see Rachel looking up at him through her book, her eyes slightly narrowed, telling him to not even think about going over to those girls. He really didn't want to get his ass kicked today. But what really convinced him was Kori. The way she was waving and smiling to him was very…enticing. All he wanted to do was sit by her.

Dick strode up the stairs, ignoring the looks given to him by Kitten's friends. "Greetings, friend! Nice to see you this fine morning!" Kori smiled. Rachel nodded to Dick, smiling approvingly and dove back into her book. "So, you wake up early as well?" Dick said to Kori, who smiled brightly. "Oh yes! I do enjoy waking to the sound of the morning birds singing their songs! It is most wonderful! And what about you? Do you enjoy waking at this hour?" Kori beamed. "Yeah, I like to wake up to the birds too. Kind of peaceful." Dick laughed. "It is most peaceful, indeed!" Kori agreed. "So, what have you two been talking about?" Dick asked. "We were engaging in conversation about literature and art, friend. Rachel told me about her passion to be a writer." Kori explained. Dick nodded. "Yeah. You should read the stuff that she can write. Absolute poetry!" Dick said dramatically as Rachel rolled her eyes. "I'm not that good." Rachel droned. "Of course you are! You should seriously publish some of your work. I bet you could be one of the best writers in history." Dick praised. "It would be most delightful to read a story that you have written, friend!" Kori proclaimed happily. Rachel thought carefully and chuckled. "At least I know I have two fans. Thanks guys.' Rachel thanked. Dick nodded and Kori smiled brightly. "You are most welcome, friend!"

A few minutes passed when Karen and Victor walked over to the football field, Kitten's friends growling at Karen as she passed by. "Wow, guess we have a new early bird. What's up Kori?" Vic smiled. Karen turned back to the group. "Hey guys." She said she sat next to Kori, her eyes still glaring at the two girls on the lower bleachers. Victor followed her eyes and turned worryingly to her. "Ignore them Bee." He stated. Karen sighed irritably. "It's kind of hard when you know they are talking about you behind their back, Sparky." Karen stated. "Don't worry about what they are saying. You will be a lot happier if you don't worry about what they think." He assured, sitting next to her and taking her hand. Karen smiled graciously. "I don't care about they think of me. But you're right." Karen smiled as she placed a kiss on her boyfriend's cheek. Kori squealed happily. "How long have you two engaged in the dating relationship?" She asked. "We've been dating for a couple of months now." Victor explained. "I met Sparky at the movies at the end of the year. We became friends and then starting dating when I started hanging out with the rest of his group." Karen added. Kori nodded and giggled. "If you don't mind me asking, but why do you call friend Victor, "Sparky"?" Kori asked. Karen grinned. "I came up with the nickname when I first met him. Vic is good with mechanics and he would always work on his car when he wasn't hanging out with his friends or me." Karen explained. "She called me Sparky ever since she first saw me work on my other baby." Vic laughed. "You call your car "baby"?" Rachel droned, not looking up from her book. "Of course! I've worked on her ever since freshmen year!" Vic exclaimed. "He even calls it a her." Dick laughed. "You mean I call HER a her." Vic corrected. Karen rolled her eyes and Victor smiled sheepishly. "Of course, she isn't top priority anymore, now that I have a new baby." He added. Karen grinned and kissed his cheek. "I better be top priority," She stated.

"Where are the other friends?" Kori asked. "Gar and Wally are probably still sleeping. Those two could sleep through a hurricane." Victor laughed. "Speak of the Devil, look who's here." Dick said as Wally, Gar, and Jen approached. When the three saw the group, they ran up the bleachers. "Well, Well! New girl has appeared again! Welcome Kori!" Gar said happily, showing his toothy grin. "Welcome Kori! You get up early like Rachel?" Jen smiled. "Hello Ms. Anders! Welcome to our meeting spot! Where I rule as overlord and supreme king! Now bow before me, peasants!" Wally laughed. "The day we recognize you as the leader of this group is the day the world ends…" Rachel said sarcastically. "No, I'm serious. Who wouldn't vote for me as president? With my charm and skill, they should elect me right now!" Wally grinned. "Then where would we be without you, supreme ruler? We would be so lost if you left us!" Dick stated dramatically. Everyone busted into a small fit of laughter, while Wally dramatically bowed.

"What are you outcasts laughing at?!" A voice yelled from the bottom of the steps. It was Xavier, and two of his friends, who were laughing along with Xavier's comments. "Why do you care, Xavier!?" Dick yelled down to him. Although he was barely visible, you could still tell that Xavier grinned when he saw Kori sitting with the others. "Hey cutie! How about you come and sit with us? We would gladly appreciate it." He shouted coldly. His two friends grinned and nodded their heads in agreement. "Come on down, gorgeous. Hang out with some real men." One of the boys said. "Hah, she would rather hang out with us than a group of assholes!" Wally shouted down to the boy. Kori sank in her seat as she heard Xavier's voice, feeling it slither down her spine like ice. "I'm pretty sure I didn't ask you, West!" Xavier retorted. "Come on down, Cutie! Don't be shy!" Xavier persuaded. Kori mustered her courage and shouted back. "I think I prefer where I am sitting right at the moment, friend!" She replied. Annoyed by her answer, Xavier shouted to Kori. "Fine, sit with your "friends". See you around, Cutie!" He winked and motioned for his friends to move on.

When they were out of ear shot, Kori let out a sigh of relief. Everyone turned to her and smiled broadly. "Now you truly are welcomed, Anders! If anyone can turn down X, AND make Kitten an enemy in only the span of 2 days, they are surely welcomed to the group!" Wally cheered joyfully. Everyone cheered and nodded their heads in agreement.

When the cheering ended, the school bell finally rang, starting the day that lay ahead of the weary teens. All the students trudged to their first period. Before she could get very far, Rachel grabbed Kori by the arm and pulled her to the side, whispering into her ear. "I told you they would accept you. You really do fit in with us." She smiled and motioned Kori to follow her to first period. Kori smiled brightly, proud of herself the past 2 days that have already passed. She finally felt like she truly belonged within their group. Her group.

Garfield had barley been awake during first period. He slept through most of the class and was only awake when the bell rang for the next period. He trudged eerily through school, desperately trying to past the part of the day he most dreaded. Mornings were officially the bane of his existence. He was finally awake once he made it to the Commons Hall, where the others were already waiting for him. He loved seeing his friends during this time. It always caused his mood to brighten up.

During middle school, Garfield had moved to America from Africa. He was always thought as the weird kid who no one took the initiative to actually become friends with. However, one day, he was paired up with Victor and Dick to work on a project. Through time the 3 became friends and then became best friends. Soon, their trio grew with the addition of Wally, Jen, and Rachel.

Rachel was known as the freak, Goth girl that everyone was afraid to look at in middle school. Even Wally stayed away, saying that she would probably rip his throat out once he spoke to her. Gar thought she needed a friend and he gave her one, always inviting her to sit at their table and always being nice to her. He knew what it had been like to be rejected, so he wanted to make a difference for someone else. His fun personality always had put her off, but eventually she warmed up to him, and his friends warmed up to her. Gar and Rachel now were the closest of friends, despite his fun-loving nature. He even called Rachel, Rae, which at first annoyed her, but now she tolerated it.

Gar stumbled to the Commons and was welcomed by the others as he arrived. "Welcome friend! It is good to see you this joyous morning!" Kori smiled brightly. "What's up, Gar?" Vic said as he gave him a high-five. "Welcome Mr. Logan to this fine establishment! How have you enjoyed you fine morning!" Wally chuckled. "Ugh… I need more sleep…" Was all he said as he sat down next to Rachel, who smiled at his presence "Oh, did sleeping beauty not get enough sleep?" Victor laughed. Gar looked up and scowled. "Dude, I get plenty of sleep! I'm just not a morning person…" Gar replied.

The rest of the off time went by quickly, and before he knew it, Gar was rushing to make it to his second period. He only had Rachel in English, so the two walked with each other to their next period. Gar would usually try to pass the time in the boring class by talking to Rachel. "Hey, Rae, what do you see in this class? It's not like any of this material is new." Gar whispered. Rachel rolled her eyes. "There is plenty of things to know about writing and reading if you would only pay attention." She whispered back. Gar grinned. "It is kind of hard to pay attention when you have to listen to a monotone teacher all day." Rachel chuckled softly. "I will agree with you on that. But we aren't going to be able to pass this class if we don't focus." She added. "I bet you know all of this material anyway. Mind teaching me again at my house?" He asked. Rachel smiled softly. "Sure, Gar. If it helps you pass this class, than I would be happy to help you." Gar grinned with his toothy smile. "Thanks Rae."

Gar had struggled with school since middle school. Since they have been friends, Rachel would tutor him over the weekends. Gar would always pay her for it, even though she still resisted it. Ever since his tutoring with Rachel, he had succeeded fairly well in school, now passing his classes with B's. His tutoring also helped improved his relationship with Rachel. It was one of the few things that they did with each other, without the others in their group.

During the class, while Rachel took notes over the current lesson, Gar dozed off. Rachel would always give him the notes afterwards anyways. She always would, knowing she would have to teach him later, anyways. Even though note-taking might help Gar, she knew he liked listening to her better. She rolled her eyes. Whether it school or their personal lives, Gar always paid attention to her more than anyone else. Maybe it was because of their close friendship. Maybe it was more….

Gar awoke to the sudden sound of the period bell. He shook his head and stumbled to his feet. He trudged to the door to see Rachel calmly waiting for him. "Hey, Rae" He yawned loudly. She smiled and handed him the notes. "Remember to bring it to tutoring." She reminded. Gar grinned sheepishly, remembering the last time he forgot the notes. She made him read the entire chapter from the textbook and recite it by memory. He cringed, remembering his pure boredom and misery. "Come on, let's get to lunch" She added as she strode off to the cafeteria, Garfield following her footsteps.

Once he made it to the cafeteria, the smell of food immediately awoke his senses. He raced to the line, not caring who was in his way. Wally beat him to the line, and was waiting for Gar to show up. "Took you long enough, slow poke." Wally chuckled. "Sorry if I'm not the fastest boy alive." Gar laughed. Wally always would beat him to lunch. In fact, Wally practically ran everywhere he went. No one was faster than Wally. In fact, he was the fastest boy on the track team, and love to gloat over his title as the "Fastest Boy Alive."

The two boys rushed through the line and got there plates of food. Wally, who got a hamburger, stared distastefully at Gar's food. "I still don't understand why you like that crap." Wally said distastefully. "It's better than eating animals. You know what they do to those poor creatures?" Gar asked rhetorically. Gar had been a vegan since elementary school, and loved to eat tofu by the gallons. It was his favorite food, even though the rest of his friends thought it was disgusting. Wally and Gar raced back to their seats at the lunch table, where the others were already sitting down and eating. Wally plopped down next to Kori, while Gar sat next to Rachel. "Hello friends!" Kori welcomed the two. "Dude, they still have that crap!?" Vic said looking down at Gar's food. "It is a sad day at this school. They still have tofu." Wally sighed. "Are you kidding? This stuff is awesome! It's a lot better than meat." Gar retorted. "Man, nothing is better than meat! Vic responded. "You guys have this argument everyday…" Rachel sighed. "Sadly my dear Rachel, nothing will end this argument. In fact, I bet their children will fight over this." Wally joked. As the two argued over which food was better, everyone else watched in amusement. Everyone except Kori. "Maybe there is a way to end this argument with a peaceful solution?" Kori asked politely. "I'm not sure these two will ever come to terms with each other over food." Jen laughed. "Well, why can't we admit that the two food groups are both equal in likability?" Kori suggested. Gar and Victor looked at each other. "I guess for today, this ends in a draw." Vic sighed. "Yeah, sure. But we aren't through yet." Gar grinned. Kori, who looked generally pleased with herself, smiled brightly. "Well that will suffice enough. Thank you friends!"

The rest of the lunch period went smoothly, where everyone at the table made small talk and chatted about the day. Once the bell rang, the group parted ways. Gar sighed lightly and stumbled off to his next class. He dreaded the rest of this boring day.

Rachel walked quietly to her elective class. The class she choose was Creative Writing, which will help her in the future once she becomes a writer. As she walked into the classroom, she noticed Gar lounging in one of the front row seats. He waved Rachel over. "Hey Rae!" He smiled with a toothy grin. "Hey. I didn't think you would choose this class." She said as she sat down in a desk right next to him. Gar's face darkened slightly, and he looked down towards his desk. "Oh, yeah… turns out I have to be a junior to take Wildlife and Enviroment… Besides, maybe this class will help me out in the future with English …" Gar muttered as he looked toward the teacher, who started talking about the class.

Gar wouldn't dare admit he choose this class because of Rachel. After he learned that he had to take another elective, he decided it wouldn't hurt to be with Rachel again in another writing class. Gar thought it was a good way to spend more time with her. Plus, he knew how much she hated being alone. "It's not like it's that big of a deal" He thought. Gar hoped she didn't think it was weird that he was here. "Oh, who I am kidding?" He thought. "She knows me too well." Gar silently cursed to himself about how dumb he was.

While Garfield battled his inner turmoil, Rachel thought about what he had said. Why would Gar choose this class, knowing full well he hates English and learning in general? It didn't seem reasonable to her. She knew that he really wanted to choose Wildlife and Enviroment, and he had a lot of other options other than Creative Writing. Yet, he choose this class despite his hatred to the English subject. It's not like she didn't want him there. In fact, she liked having someone she knew in her class. His reasoning behind his decision only confused her. "Maybe he did it for another reason?" She thought. "Maybe he did it for her…" She shrugged the idea off quickly. There is no way he would do that. He couldn't do that… She dismissed the ideas in her mind. She needed to pay attention to the lesson. But the rest of the period, she felt conflicted and confused at the same time.

At the end of the period, the two got up quickly and walked together towards the meeting spot, where the others were. Once they got there, the two sat quietly and waited for the others. After a little time passed, Karen and Victor showed up. "What's up guys?" Vic yelled as he and Karen approached the meeting spot. "You two get here fast." Karen said. "We come from Creative Writing, it's just around the corner. " Gar said. Karen and Vic looked at Gar, puzzled why he would take a class they knew he would hate. Before either could ask him about it, Wally and Jen arrived, arguing loudly between each other. "Why do you have to be such a hassle sometimes?" Jen sighed irritably. "Come on, Jen. It's no problem at all. You know that I like carpooling you, right?" Wally grinned. "Yeah, but you never drive. I am always the one who drives the damn car because you sit in the back with Gar and annoy the hell out of me!" Jen yelled. Wally stepped back and grinned sheepishly. "Alright, alright… You made a good point. How about I drive today, and we switch off?" Wally asked. "What are you too arguing about now?" Karen sighed. The two looked turned toward the rest of the group, which they barely noticed due to their fighting. "Jen doesn't want to car pool anymore." Wally sighed. "I think it would be better for me to drive myself, so you guys don't have to drive all the way to my house and back to your own." Jen said. "It's no problem for us, Jen. We can take you." Gar said politely. Jen looked between Wally and Gar, then sighed. "Fine. I guess since you don't mind it will be okay. But I get to play music, alright?" She chuckled. "First one to the car gets to play music!" Wally said as he raced off toward Jen's car. "Hey, that isn't a part of our deal!" Jen yelled happily as she raced off to catch up to him. "Bye guys!" Gar yelled as he ran off to catch up to Wally and Jen. When the three raced off into the parking lot, Dick and Kori showed up. "Hello friends!" Kori beamed. "Hi guys." Dick said calmly. "Where are the other friends?" Kori asked. Vic chuckled. "They ran off into the parking lot. Some competition they are doing." He laughed. Dick chuckled. "Probably a Wally thing. You ready to get going, Kori?" Dick said turning toward her. "Where are you two going?" Karen asked, raising an eyebrow. "Friend Dick is driving me to my house. He has offered to do the car pooling activity after school." Kori smiled. "I believe I am ready, friend. We shall make our leave." Kori beamed at Dick, who nodded. "See you guys later." Dick said as he walked off. "Goodbye friends!" Kori yelled happily as she walked with Dick. "Well Bee, guess we should get going as well. See you Rachel!" Vic said as he led his girlfriend toward his car. "Bye, Rachel!" Karen said, following Vic. "Bye guys." Rachel stated as she made her way to her own vehicle.

Rachel pulled up to the apartment complex. She had to get her work clothes on and drive all the way back out to the city before she was late. She worked part time at a coffee shop, where she would work only a few hours a day and return before 8:00PM. The part she dreaded the most about was her father. He was probably waking from his drunken slumber and most likely getting over a strong hang-over.

She sighed and dragged her feet up the stairs of the apartment and unlocked the door to find her father sitting on the couch with a beer in hand, watching sports. Her father, Trygon, barely noticed her over the TV. "Where have y-you b-been?" Trygon said, slurring his words. "At school." Rachel said as she rolled her eyes. "G-Good. I don't want to catch you out an-anywhere else except for work and s-school." He said as he turned his attention back towards the television. Rachel shook her head irritably and walked up the stairs. Before she made it very far, she heard her father yell from the couch. "Are you go-going out ne-next Saturday? I will be work-working late." He slurred. "Yes. I have to tutor a friend." She stated. His drunken eyes sparked with anger. "Is this friend pa-paying you?" Rachel rolled her eyes. "Yeah. He pays me." She scoffed. Trygon nodded. "Good. If you aren't get-getting paid, it's a worthless task. Work is mo-more important than friends." He ranted and returned to the television. "It's not like you do anything important." She muttered under her breath.

Rachel climbed the stairs and placed her things next to her door. She sat lightly on her bed and put her head in her hands, sighing irritably. She closed her eyes and dove into her thoughts, the place she would go to find peace. Yet, this time, she found no peace within her. It was just a complicated mess of emotions. She felt confused, angry, and depressed all at the same time. She pushed her thoughts and emotions aside, and started to work on something to get her mind focused again. She pulled out the homework she was assigned today and quickly finished it. Rachel had always been smart, and she always got good grades. So completing simple assignments and homework was always a breeze for her. Once she finished, she started to get ready for work.

She put on her work clothes and gathered her things. She walked quietly down the stairs and passed her father, who looked up from the TV to see her. "Where are y-you going now? It better be to your job!" Trygon yelled furiously. "Where do you think I am going?" Rachel said irritably and walked out the door. Instead of pursuing his daughter, Trygon muttered curse words under his breath and turned his attention to his drink. Rachel walked down the stairs of the apartment and continued to her car. Once there, she started to make the 30 minute drive to work, deep in the heart of the city.

Rachel pulled up to the coffee shop. She always got here on time and she never was late. When she walked in, a boy cleaning behind the bar waved to her. "Hey Rachel!" he said. Rachel waved back and smiled. "Hi Garth." She stated. Garth went to the same high school as Rachel, and because they both worked the night shift, they became good friends. In fact, Garth was already friends with the others in her group, so they usually interacted with each other regularly. "So, do you think anyone will show up today?" Garth asked her. "Probably, maybe just the late-night workers. There hasn't been a lot of people lately." Rachel said and she started to clean the back counters. Garth chuckled to himself. "How about we past the time then? Have you seen any new kids yet?" He asked as he put his rag and spray bottle into a small cabinet below the counter. "Actually, yeah I have. Her name is Kori. She and I have biology and lunch together." Rachel said, continuing to work. "Oh, what do you think of her?" Garth asked. "I think she's okay. She seems really nice and sincere. In fact, the whole group likes her as well." Rachel smiled. "Well, if Rachel Roth thinks she's pretty cool, then I think I will like her as well. Maybe we can get the whole group to meet up at the park? Might have a picnic or something?" He chuckled. "Yeah, sure. Maybe we all will sing and hold hands by a camp fire." Rachel rolled her eyes and joked sarcastically. Garth laughed. "Haha, yeah. Oh damn, we have customers. Guess we actually have to work this time, huh?" Garth sighed as a group of people walked in to get their coffee.

After the line of people were given their coffee, Rachel and Garth continued to chat about school and friends. The night shift was usually slow, so they often would clean around the store and talk until there shifts were over. After a few hours, the two became the last in the shop. "Guess its closing time?" Garth chuckled as he looked at his watch. "Well I better get going. See you soon, Rachel!" Garth smiled as he grabbed his things and walked out the door. "Bye, Garth." Rachel said as she grabbed her own things and walked to her car.

She drove the long 30 minutes back to her apartment. Once she got there, she grabbed her things and walked back up the stairs and straight into the apartment. She ignored her father, who was snoring very loudly with several bottles of beer lying at his feet, and she rushed up the stairs and into her bedroom. She changed into some night clothes and laid down in her bed, where she read a little of her book before falling into a restful sleep.


This chapter was really fun to right! Although I thoroughly enjoy writing Starfire and Robin stories I really like writing for a new couple, especially Raven and Beastboy, who I love together! I might even write a story centered mostly on Raven and Beastboy in the future!

Anyways please review and I hoped you enjoyed the improvements I have made.

Thanks!

-N. Wolf