Fall

Author's Note: Okay, this was supposed to be a one-shot, but I thought about it, and I have more to write. I'm not sure if this will be as long because that first chapter was one of the longest things I've ever written, but I will give it my best shot.

Disclaimer: The author of this story (me) does not own the respective characters. She intends no copyright infringement.

-NDHB-

Mail To: Frank Hardy
From: Nancy Drew
Subject: back at school

Hey, Frank!

Well, Bess, George, and I are back at Wilder. We're all in the same dorm this year. A very nice four person suite with…guess who? Vanessa Bender. There was a mix-up when they were assigning rooms so she was somehow put in with us. That is the only way they said a freshmen and three sophomores could get the same room. None of us mind, so they aren't going to try to find a new room for her. We're all moved in and are currently sending e-mails to everyone to tell them, so this will be pretty short.

I already miss the freedom of summer. And you. It feels like forever ago that we were all in California to meet George. The road trip out there was a great idea; I'm surprised Joe could come up with it on his own! I think Biff and George hit it off great and it was nice to spend time with you as a couple; Bess and Chet enjoyed that couple time as well.

So, when do you move into your dorm? Is Joe excited about starting collage? Vanessa can't wait to sign up for classes. I really need to go now; I still have tons of e-mail to write. I'll be back in my room and on Facebook by ten tonight. Talk to you later.

Love,
Nancy

-HDNB-

Mail to: Joe Hardy
From: Vanessa Bender
Subject: new roommates

Joe,

Well, I'm now at Wilder. The campus is beautiful and I love my dorm room. The best part so far, however, is my roommates. I'm rooming with Nancy, Bess, and George! There was some mix-up when they assigned rooms…anyway.

I bet you can't wait for school to start…that's sarcasm. I know you. I miss you already and can't wait to see you at Thanksgiving.

All my love, yours forever,
Van

Vanessa quickly reread the short note before clicking send. She glanced up from her laptop at her roommates. I really am glad they messed up, she thought. I like rooming with people I know. "Hey, guys," she spoke to gather her friends' attention, "I'm done e-mailing people. Where's someplace I can get something to eat?"

Bess answered, "I'm done too; I can show you to the cafeteria. It's actually not that bad, if you stay away from the coffee."

"Oh yeah," George agreed. "I'm ready for a break before I finish mine. Biff wrote me a really long e-mail that I'm going to put off until the end. I think he documented his entire day for me. You want to come, Nan?"

Nancy quickly clicked send herself before responding, "Yep. That was my last e-mail. I'm all set to get some food."

"So, George, how are things between you and Biff?" Bess questioned. George and Biff had been introduced when Bess, Nancy, Vanessa, Joe, Frank, Chet, and Biff had all taken a road trip across the country.

All the way across the country: the group had driven, in two separate cars, from New York to California. George had been helping at a soccer camp in Baja California, Mexico, so to return her plane would have been routed through LAX.

The group had called George and told her they wanted a beach vacation and would be driving to California; they made plans to meet up. Secretly, Bess had wanted to set her cousin up with the handsome football player.

"Things are going well," George replied, "but we want to take it slow because we're going to school so far apart. Plus, with my recent disaster with my last boyfriend…I just feel like things need to move slowly."

The group left their dorm and headed toward the cafeteria and student center, continuing the discussion of the men in their lives. "Frank and I want the same thing," Nancy informed the group.

"Joe and I are ready to speed things up, I think," Vanessa stated. "I mean we've been dating for a year. But, now that we're so far apart…"

"You'll be fine," Bess assured her. "Chet and I are trying to make our relationship work and he's all the way in Iraq. Additionally, we've only been dating for two months. You and Joe will work out your problems."

Vanessa clarified, "There are no problems. It's just: I know Joe loves to flirt and with me not at the same school anymore…I'm a little worried he's going to find someone he likes better."

They reached the cafeteria and Bess held the door as everyone filed past. She responded, "That sounds like it could become a major problem for your relationship. You need to trust Joe and he needs to trust you. You should talk to him about this."

"This," George and Nancy spoke in unison, "is why you need to major in psychology, Bess." George continued, "You are great at helping people work out their problems and at listening."

"I'm thinking about it," confirmed Bess. The foursome immediately rushed the food bar, pilling to-go boxes with food to take back to their dorm. They paid and walked back to the room where each girl logged on her own computer to do more e-mail or to instant message her boyfriend.

Mail to: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army
From: Bess Marvin
Subject: thinking of you

Hi, Chet

As you know, I started back to school today. I like your suggestion for my career choice. Everyone wants me to be a counselor for eating disorders, but you know I want to do something more meaningful than that. I think a school guidance counselor is something to consider. I've already decided I want to major in psychology, but I might minor in social work or women's studies.

How are things for you? Are you okay out there? You need to drink plenty of water. Today, we girls were talking about our boyfriends, and I couldn't help but bring you up. I know already what you're going to say. You can't be my boyfriend while you're over there. I don't care: even if you were in the US, you'd be in another state.

I'm sorry for complaining, but I really want to call you my boyfriend, so I won't stop. You can feel free to call me your girlfriend.

I miss you and I love you,
Bess

-NDHB-

George logged on to her Facebook account the moment she returned to her room. As luck would have it, Biff was also on. She clicked to bring up the IM and typed out a quick greeting.

George Fayne: Hey, Biff!

Biff Hooper: George, it's good to hear from you. How's school?

George Fayne: Good…so far, but we're not doing anything so…. Good news: Van is our roommate!

Biff Hooper: How'd that happen?

George Fayne: No idea. Some mix up in the offices. We're not complaining!

Biff Hooper: Well, why would you?

Biff Hooper: We've already started training for football out here. What teams are you trying for?

George Fayne: Indoor track only for now. I'll try soccer once it starts in the spring.

Biff Hooper: Cool. How's everyone else?

George Fayne: Missing their boyfriends. Can't wait for class to start to use them as a distraction. The same as me.

Biff Hooper: Me too. Missing my girlfriend, that is.

They continued to talk about mundane things until George remembered there was an old game on ESPN Classic she had been wanting to see. She informed Biff, who suggested:

Biff Hooper: We can watch it together. Facebook has to be cheaper to run then a telephone bill is to pay.

George Fayne: OK. It's not something I've done before, but there's a first time for everything.

As they watched the old game, they compared strategies and critiqued the plays called. It was like a date over a thousand miles, but both enjoyed themselves. Watching the same thing at the same time shortened the distance they had both felt that day. It bonded them together for the few hours it could.

At ten, George finally logged off. Calling it a day, she told Nancy, "Don't stay up too late," before heading to the bedroom she shared with Bess. Vanessa was already asleep in her and Nancy's bedroom the next-door down, but Bess was sitting on her bed typing up a storm on her computer. "Are you almost done?" questioned George.

"Yep," Bess pounded the mouse button as she hit send.

In the living space, Nancy logged on to Facebook at ten, just as she promised she would in her e-mail. Shaking off the disappointment that Frank was not on she scanned the list of available friends. There was one Hardy on, just not the one she wanted; then again, she probably was not the girl he wanted to talk to. She quickly typed a message to him.

Nancy Drew: Joe, Van's already in bed.

Joe Hardy: At ten? What's wrong with people?

Nancy Drew: Bess and George went to bed too, just now. It was a long day for us. We moved in.

Joe Hardy: I know. Van sent me an e-mail this afternoon. You guys are all in the same room.

Nancy Drew: Yep.

Nancy Drew: So, when do you move in?

Joe Hardy: Soon.

Nancy chuckled as she read his response, which was so Joe. Suddenly, her cell phone rang. Nancy sprang up from the couch and grabbed it from the counter in the kitchenette. We really need to buy some food, she reminded herself as she answered, "Drew."

"You need to check caller ID," Frank's strong voice came through the line. "I would think as a detective, you would know that. Just how many threats have you gotten over a phone before?"

"As many as you," retorted Nancy. "I usually do check. Guess who I'm talking to on Facebook?"

"No idea," replied Frank, "I'm going to guess it's someone I know."

Nancy laughed, "It is. You love him very much, but he can be so annoying most of the time. I told him Van's already in bed; and he said it was too early to go to bed. When I told him we had moved, he didn't find it enough of an excuse."

"That sounds just like my little brother," decided Frank.

"Yes. He tells me he's moving in soon," Nancy explained. She typed another response to Joe before continuing to speak to Frank, "When do you move in?"

Nancy Drew: Soon isn't a good explanation, moron. Guess who just called me?

Joe Hardy: My brother. I'll let you give him your undivided attention.

Joe logged off as Frank answered, "School starts in a month, both Joe and I move into our dorms next week. So, do you think you'll like having Vanessa as a roommate? You shared a room on the trip to California, didn't you?"

"Yeah we did. The way the suite is set up," Nancy explained, "we're sharing a room here too. Bess and George are in the other bedroom. We have two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchenette. I love this room."

"It sounds like a great room. I don't know what my room will be like, but I have my roommates' names," informed Frank. "I had a class last year with one of them. He was a little boring. Speaking of boredom, have you run into a mystery yet?"

"No, but I spent the day moving furniture and only left the dorm to get food. One will find me soon enough; I never have to look. Last year, I found one my first day," Nancy told him

Frank said, "I remember you telling me about it in an e-mail. Well, Nan, it's getting late, I should let you go."

Nancy glanced at the clock, surprised to see it was almost eleven-thirty, "Wow, it is late. And you're an hour ahead of me. You must be exhausted."

"I'm not the one who was moving furniture all day long," insisted Frank. "But, I am a little tired; I had to deal with Joe all day. With Vanessa not around, it's even harder to control him. He got gum stuck in his hair today."

"I hate it when that happens. Tell me everything in an e-mail, and send pictures if you have any…this is great blackmail stuff. I'll share with you, but I want some of it," Nancy proposed.

"Sure, of course I have pictures. Aunt Gertrude took them to remind him never to do that again." Frank said his goodbyes, "I love you, Nancy. Sleep well."

"I love you too," Nancy reciprocated. "Good night." She hung her phone and quietly slunk into her bedroom. Vanessa was asleep so Nancy did not want to wake her. She was extra quiet as she crept into bed. Maybe I was wrong about a long distance relationship working, she pondered, it's so hard not to be able to see him whenever I want.

-NDHB-

Mail to: Bess Marvin
From: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army
Subject: RE: thinking of you

Bess,

I will be happy to call you my girlfriend, but I don't think it's a good idea if I could be killed at any time. When I get back to the States we can continue our relationship; I want you to date people and have fun. You're in collage and should be partying, not sitting in your room e-mailing someone half a world away.

Until we can continue, I will be your friend. Nothing would make me happier but coming home to start a real relationship. I want you to honor my wishes on this subject, please.

I am doing fine and do drink plenty of water each day. I miss my friends and you, but we are helping here and I am proud to be a part of that. Frank sent me some pictures of Joe after the gum incident with his hair. I'm attaching them for you. Hope to hear from you soon.

Chet

It was the sound of someone throwing up that woke George one morning a few days after the group moved in. She glanced over at Bess's bed, only to notice that she was not in the room. George quickly hopped from the bed and hurried to the bathroom they also shared. "Bess? Are you ok?" she demanded. "I'm coming in."

Bess was bent over the toilet bowl. She had been crying, the tearstains still clear in her red eyes. "I'm fine," she whispered. "Go away; I can take care of myself!"

George left, but she only went to the next room. "Nan, Vanessa, get up. Bess is in the bathroom throwing up. Nan, can you call someone from her support group?" she questioned. "We need to find out what's going on."

Nancy and Vanessa speedily removed themselves from bed. Nancy sifted through numbers in her address book before deciding on one to call. "Are you sure she's not just sick?" inquired Nancy as she dialed.

"She's been crying. Maybe the thought of school starting has her thinking she's lost control again," George hypothesized. "I don't know. Van, can you try talking to her? Maybe she'll talk to you?"

"Of course," Vanessa nodded as she hurried to the bathroom Bess occupied. "Bess? It's Vanessa, I'm coming in." She pushed open the door slowly, unsure of what she would find on the other side. Bess was beside the toilet with tears running down her cheeks. "What's wrong?"

Bess insisted, "Nothing, I'm fine. Just leave me alone!"

"You're crying, Bess," Vanessa contradicted. "If you're crying something must be wrong. Tell me what it is so I can help you. You know," she switched tactics, "if you lose any weight, Nancy and George will check you into a clinic."

"I'm not going to lose any weight. I can handle my own life. Leave me alone," demanded Bess, running from the room.

Mail to: Bess Marvin
From: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army
Subject: Fwd: Bess

Bess,

You've really worried all of us. You need to eat and keep the food down to stay healthy. If you have problems, talk to someone. Don't try to fix everything yourself as all of us are here to help. Talk to George, Vanessa, and Nancy and they will help you with whatever it is that is bothering you.

Chet

Forwarded message below:

Mail to: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army; Frank Hardy; Joe Hardy; Biff Hooper; Callie Shaw; Phil Cohen; Tony Prito
From: Nancy Drew
Subject: Bess

Guys,

Something is bothering Bess, but she won't tell any of us. George found her throwing up in the bathroom this morning so we've called in her support group and her therapist. We think it might be stress from starting back to school.

She's really upset and I think she would love to hear from all of you. We'll keep you updated as we gather more information. E-mail any of us if you have suggestions.

George, Nancy, and Vanessa

-NDHB-

The weeks passed slowly as the girls prepared for class to start. Daily, they e-mailed and instant messaged their friends and boyfriends; keeping each other up to date on their lives. Miles away, the Hardys started school as did Callie and Phil. Tony opened another location for his pizza shop and life rolled on.

Bess stayed away from the dorm, however, for hours on end. She did not speak to any of the other girls about what was bothering her and the girls became increasingly worried. She had not contacted any of her other friends for a while so they were worried too. As all good friends would do, they set up a time to start a chat.

Nancy, George and Vanessa signed on under Vanessa's account. A pop announced Frank and Joe, signed in under Frank's account. There were a few more pops as Chet, Biff, and Callie signed on. Vanessa, who was typing for the girls, greeted everyone.

Vanessa Bender: Hey, guys. Roll call? Vanessa, Nancy, George.

Frank Hardy: Frank and Joe.

Callie Shaw: Callie and John.

Chet Morton: Chet. I only have a little while.

Biff Hooper: Biff. Do we need anyone else?

Vanessa Bender: Bess's weight is down. She still won't talk to us or to anyone in her support group.

Vanessa Bender: Anyone have any ideas what could be bothering her?

Chet Morton: The last e-mail I got from her, she sounded fine: that was the day you guys moved into your dorm.

Frank Hardy: That was weeks ago. You haven't talked to her since?

Chet Morton: I e-mailed her and forwarded her the e-mail Nan, Van, and George sent last week.

Chet Morton: She never returned the e-mail.

Callie Shaw: Are the two of you fighting about something?

Chet Morton: Why is everyone directing these questions at me? Bess and I aren't dating or anything.

Vanessa Bender: Bess said you were…did you tell her you didn't want to date her?

Chet Morton: I said I didn't think I should date someone when I was so far away…

Callie Shaw: Moron!

Frank Hardy: Idiot!

Vanessa Bender: We agree! If you like her, screw the fact that you're far away.

Chet Morton: I'll e-mail her…gtg.

Vanessa Bender: We'll talk to Bess tonight when she gets back. Bye!

Vanessa logged off her Facebook account and turned to George and Nancy. "Do you think it's that simple?" she questioned. "I mean, Bess seems so independent, why would she care this much if Chet wants to wait to start a relationship?"

"If Joe told you he wanted a break for collage: how would you feel?" demanded George.

Nancy spoke up, "I think we need to talk to Bess tonight. We might not catch her in the morning and this is something I don't think can wait. So, how do we want to play this?"

"Well," decided Vanessa, "we should tell her we can understand. And, when she says we can't, we explain how hard it's been for us to keep our relationships above water. We tell her that she's fighting for the wrong thing: she needs to fight for Chet not against her body."

"You are very good at this sort of thing," George complimented.

Vanessa replied, "Thanks. So, what do we do while we wait?"

Nancy grabbed the remote control and sank into the sofa, "Distract ourselves." She switched on the television and began to flip through the channels. George and Vanessa joined her on the couch as they waited impatiently for Bess to return.

At midnight, the dorm room door opened to admit a tired looking Bess. "What are you guys still doing up?" she wondered. "It's past midnight. Don't you have an early class tomorrow, George?"

"Some things are more important than class, Bess," reminded George.

"We need to talk," Nancy added. "You should sit down, Bess, this could take a while."

"Guys," Bess shook her dull, lifeless hair around her head, "I'm fine. You can stop worrying about me; I'm eating and I'm not working out."

Vanessa began, "We understand that it's hard to be away from someone you love, Bess. We're not exactly able to see our boyfriends every day. Just because Chet says he doesn't want a relationship, is no reason to give up on him."

"You need to fight for what you want," Nancy agreed. "You're strong enough to win, plus you have us backing you up. Frank, Joe, Phil, Callie, Rebecca, John, Tony, Kathie, Biff, Vanessa, George, and I all want you and Chet to work this out. We don't want to see you get sicker and sicker, Bess."

"Bess," George took a chance and slid her arm around Bess's shoulders, "we want you to be better. We get that this is hard. You can talk to us; you can bitch to us; we were your friends first and we will be your friends before Chet's."

"He's an idiot," Bess admitted. "I know I haven't been handling this well; I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this, but I was out of control…I just wanted to be back in control."

Nancy nodded, "I hate losing control. But focus on what you can control, Bess. You picked your classes; you picked the path you want to lead in life. Hell, you control what you put on in the morning. It's a great outfit, by the way."

The girls chucked and Bess took the opportunity to give each of her friends a hug and whispered, "Thank you." She looked over at her computer, "I think I'll send a quick e-mail to everyone to tell them thank you as well; then, I'm going to bed."

Vanessa, Nancy, George said their good nights before heading to their bedrooms. Bess pulled her laptop onto her lap and switched off the television. Illuminated only by the glow of her computer screen, she began her e-mails.

Mail to: Frank Hardy, Joe Hardy, Phil Cohen, Callie Shaw, Biff Hooper, Tony Prito
From: Bess Marvin
Subject: me

Hey guys,

I know I've had you worried for the past few weeks. I'm writing to say your intervention has helped a lot and thank you. Thank you all so much for caring about me enough to tell me I looked horrible-Joe, I know that was you-and for helping me work through these issues.

I'm still working on them and I hope I can talk to any of you if I have a problem I don't think I can handle. Sometimes, I just need to know I'm in control so if you could let me manipulate you for a few minutes, sometimes it helps a lot.

Thanks so very much
Bess

Mail to: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army
From: Bess Marvin
Subject: me

Chet,

I'm sorry I worried you. I still want to be your girlfriend and I felt you were taking away my control over my life. You didn't take away my control. You can't take away my control. In fact, I plan to wait for you to get over being an idiot so we can continue our relationship.

That said: how have you been? Are you still drinking plenty of water? Are you getting enough to eat? Do you get enough sleep? Are you bored out of your mind or are you having fun?

I missed you while I was having my issues. You calm me down and make me think clearly. I need you to stay around, so please be careful over there and come back to me soon. I love you and I am going to wait for you.

Bess

-NDHB-

Mail to: Bess Marvin
From: Sgt. Chet Morton, US Army
Subject: RE: me

My Bessie,

I'm glad you're doing better and I'm sorry I made you feel like you had lost control. If I ever do that again, I need you to tell me. I don't want to hurt you, Bess. I love you. I want a relationship between us to work.

You would not believe the amount of influence you have on people you have never even met before. Half of the men I'm working with are calling me stupid and an idiot. Apparently, Phil hacked his way into the e-mail accounts of everyone I work with and told them some of what's been going on. He sent pictures of you as well.

Of course, the men find you incredibly beautiful and that is half of why they call me stupid. They also say that long distance relationships can work if you want it bad enough.

One man, my good friend actually, Ryan Jamison told me his wife of three years is also in the military, she's Coast Guard, but she used to be in the Navy. She flies helos, but they manage to make a bi-coastal relationship work.

What I suppose I've been trying to say is that I want to give us a chance now. We can try a long distance relationship. I love you, my Bess. Would you forgive my stupidity and take me back?

Love always,
Chet

Reading their e-mail, none of the young women in the suite were expecting a shriek. All three girls jumped and spun to the source of the noise. "Bess, what's wrong?" demanded Nancy.

"Nothing," Bess smiled, "absolutely nothing."

George turned fully around, completely disregarding her conversation with Biff, "You shrieked, Bess, that's not nothing."

Sighing, Bess replied, "Chet wants to restart our relationship. Oh, this is so great!"

"It is," congratulated Nancy as Vanessa and George also chimed in their best wishes. Since nothing was terribly wrong at the moment, they went back to their e-mail. All immediately updated everyone about the relationship improvements with Bess and Chet.

Nancy had been trying to get help for her most recent case from Frank when Bess had interrupted. She looked back at her screen to see what Frank thought.

Frank Hardy: Well, it seems like it could be a tough case. There are so many suspects right now. What can you do to lower the number? Also, have you thought about having someone help you? Maybe you could run it past someone from one of your classes?

Nancy Drew: I have you to run things past. If I have to do any real snooping though, I will take along a lookout.

Nancy Drew: Chet wrote to Bess that he wants to continue their relationship.

Frank Hardy: That's good news for Bess and Chet, I guess. Did he say if he gets leave for Thanksgiving?

Nancy Drew: Didn't say. So are we still on for the giant Thanksgiving at your parents?

Frank Hardy: Mom and Aunt Gertrude have called Hannah and invited her to come help them cook up a feast. I think everyone will be there.

Nancy Drew: Who is everyone?

Frank Hardy: My mom and dad, Joe, Aunt Gertrude, Biff, Phil, Kathie, Tony, Rebecca, George, Bess, you, your dad, Hannah, Vanessa, her mom, and maybe Chet.

Nancy Drew: Where is everyone sleeping?

Frank Hardy: No idea.

Frank Hardy: You're welcome to my bed…

Nancy Drew: As long as you're not there. I'm not sleeping with you if my dad's in the next room. Sorry. :)~

Frank Hardy: Probably a good idea. 8) gtg... I think Joe's trying to burn the house down!

-NDHB-

Mail to: Vanessa Bender
From: Joe Hardy
Subject: Thanksgiving

Nessa,

I can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving. You're driving up with Nancy, Bess, and George, right? Nan's dad and Hannah are driving up on Tuesday, but you guys have class then, so Wednesday?

I really, really, really, really, really, really want to see you soon. Frank feels the same way about seeing Nancy so our house is not fun right now. A bunch of depressed people in town, even mom's out of it because dad is on a case in England. Yeah, this weekend will be tons of fun.

E-mail me soon before I die of boredom. Did you know Nancy has a case? I wish I had a case now…

Love you lots
Joe

-NDHB-

The ringing of the doorbell brought three anxious men to their feet and caused them to sprint for the entranceway. Joe reached the door first and he quickly threw it open. Vanessa jumped into his arms to receive her welcome back kiss.

Beside them, Nancy and Frank exchanged their own greeting as did George and Biff. Bess entered the house with no giant kiss, but she held her head high and told herself she would get hers later. She headed for the kitchen where she became the first to greet the rest of the Thanksgiving guests.

Shortly, the three couples entered the kitchen. By silent agreement, Nancy, George, and Vanessa stood by Bess and not their boyfriends. Mrs. Hardy decided, "Frank, Joe, why don't you show the ladies where they will be bunking for the night?"

"Sure, mom," replied Frank, leading the way out of the kitchen. They stopped to gather their bags before playing follow the leader up the stairs and down the hallway. "Mr. Drew is sharing with Biff, Joe and I in Joe's room. You girls are in my room. Hannah and Mrs. Bender are with Aunt Gertrude. It's very crowded, sorry about that."

"It's fine," Vanessa replied, "Thanksgiving is about spending time with your family. I bet my mom wishes she hadn't moved now, though. And Biff is wishing his family had stayed too, right?"

"You bet," Biff assured. His arm wound its way around George's shoulders. Bess glanced away from the display of affection. She would e-mail Chet tonight and maybe he would be able to call her tomorrow; she did not need to spend time worrying about their relationship just because they couldn't spend one holiday together. Everything else was fine after all.

As the group made their way back down the stairs, the doorbell chimed again. "Are you expecting more company?" inquired Vanessa. At Frank's headshake, the group peered over the banister.

Standing in the doorway was a young man in an olive green uniform. In the seconds it took to process the information for everyone else, Bess had already jumped the last few stairs into Chet's receiving arms. "You're here!" she exclaimed as they peppered each other with kisses.

"I'm here," Chet agreed.

-NDHB-

A/N: I chose to use a lot of e-mail and Facebook-ing in this because my two main groups were so far apart. "Spring" will probably be the same until the end, but "Winter" will not because of Christmas break and New Year's; everyone needs a New Year's party!

Edited: 27 December 2008…ladybug1115