Sorry this is short, but I'm trying to update my other story, Matches, which should be ready tomorrow or in a few hours. I'm also working on publishing another story, and I might delay updating for a while. Sorry!

Disclaimer: I do not own HoA.

"Hey, Mars, care to help me with my homework?" Mick asked as he came into the room, grabbing and apple.

"Sure, Mick," Mara giggled and poked his stomach. "Don't eat so much. You'll ruin your training."

Mick rolled his eyes but took his place next to her and gave a peck on the lips before he began to scarf down his food.

Jerome eyed them with disgust, and he felt the monster in him growl. That was his girl.

"Jerome, pass the juice?" Mara's pleasant voice cut into his head, making the monster crawl back into its cage. For now.

"Sure, Mara," Jerome said, his voice betraying nothing. Handing her the juice, he watched her face.

"Thank you," she said happily, pouring herself a glass.

"Hey, Mars, I need to go to school early. You know, for a jog. See you then, yeah?" Mick said, standing up.

"Okay," Mara replied, giggling again. "But don't dawdle!"

"I won't!" Mick called before he slammed the door.

Jerome started to eat his pancakes, but he still looked at Mara as she ate her food. She noticed she was happy, but a little sad too. Her boyfriend had just abandoned her for a jog.

Soon everyone finished breakfast and was on their way to school in groups. Nina and Fabian were walking together holding hands, (They were dating now as it was after prom) Amber and Alfie were laughing about something, and Joy and Patricia had linked arms. Jerome watched Mara's face grow lonely as she saw she had no one to walk with, and had to walk by herself again.

"I'll go with you," Jerome volunteered, stepping up behind her. "I'm by myself, too."

"Okay," Mara nodded, starting down the path, the blond haired boy behind.

For a few minutes they walked in silence before Jerome broke it.

"So Mara," Jerome began, "why do you still date Mick?"

"What?" Mara turned to him, bewildered by the sudden question.

"You heard me," Jerome replied. "Why do you still date Mick? He's always leaving you to train or eat. I never see you two have alone time like he used to have with Amber. It's only you with the alone time." Jerome saw Mara wince, and knew he hit a sore spot.

"He's busy, that's all," Mara replied while keeping her head straight, not looking at Jerome. "He needs to train for camp. He's going next year, you know."

"Yes, I know," Jerome answered. "I keep tabs on everyone. But anyway, why do you like him?"

"Well, he's sweet, cute, nice, adorable," Mara listed, sighing dreamily.

"But not smart, huh?" Jerome raised his eyebrow in a teasing manner.

"Oh, be quiet," Mara nudged him. "He needs to work on school, yes, but that's only because he focuses on his sports!"

"Is that your excuse for everything? 'He's busy with his sports'?" Jerome raised both eyebrows this time, looking at her questioningly.

"No!" Mara said, flustered. "Of course not! What are you inquiring?"

"I'm inquiring," Jerome began, stopping in front of the school building and turning her to face him. "I'm inquiring that I'm single. The door's always open, you know," Jerome gave a wink.

"Yeah right, Jerome," Mara shook her head. "I'm dating Mick."

"Not for long," Jerome whispered as she walked away, "Not for long."