I have an idea more or less where I'm going with this. I didn't think I would continue this story though since it seemed nice to just leave it short. But then I was having a really boring day and I couldn't find anything to do and then I checked my email and saw QuirkyMadness's review and I laughed. So here is the next chap…

The next day I was almost done packing but I couldn't find my green sweater my brother gave me. I searched through the 'unknown' pile where we placed all the clothing that we couldn't remember what belonged to who. Though it wasn't in there. Then I spotted it hanging out of Finny's suitcase. "There it is!" I said reaching for it and pulled out.

Finny turned around. "I'm sorry." He said. "I thought you wouldn't mind if I took it with me."

I looked at him puzzled. Of course I would mind. " Its my favorite sweater." I said.

" I know, I can tell. You always wear it. Your brother gave it to you."

"Yeah, he did." I confirmed. I turned around to my suitcase laying open on my bed. I packed it in.

"Um, Gene?" Finny said. "Would you mind if I kept your sweater for the next few days and I'll bring it back when I visit you for Christmas?"

"Why?" I said without turning around, busied with packing.

"Well," he started warily. " So I have something as a reminder of our friendship. And I'll give you something of mine that I love. Then we can return them to each other when we see each other again." he turned back to his suitcase and I herd him go through his suitcase.

I turned around. "Here," he said. He held out his pink blouse. "You can take my symbolic shirt. It made me proud to wear it that day."

I stared down at it. "What about your navy blue shirt? The one you wore that day we went to the beach together? Maybe that one would be more symbolic of our friendship." I said.

Phineas smiled. It was a rare smile I've never seen that softened his features. It lit up his face and his heart seemed warmed. "Of course," he said. He shuffled through his clothes in a rush and found the shirt. "Here, buddy." he smiled brightly.

I smiled back in thanks. Then I searched for my white blouse. "Here. It's the blouse I wore the first day of school. The day we met." Phineas took it happily and didn't ask about the green sweater again.

Later that day there was a knock at the door. It opened and Brinker appeared.

"Great." I said out loud without realizing it. Phineas tipped his head sideways, studying me with a puzzled look.

"Hello Gene." Brinker said. "Phineas." he said acknowledging him.

"Brinker," Phineas grunted back while I mumbled my greetings under my breath.

"I see your all still packing." he said.

"Tomorrow's the last day." I said simply.

"Been slacking? I was done packing two days ago."

I resented those words. " I don't slack." I said as I walked around the room collecting some of my belongings. Brinker pulled out a cigarette and fiddled with it in his hands. "You know, I'm going South for winter break." He paused. " So, your holiday plans remain the same?"

I tensed a little to think that he was probably still thinking about his theory. Finny gave me a sideways glance from where he stood next to me. I walked away back to my suitcase to pack the last items in my hands. I had finally finished packing. "Still the same." I said as optimistically as I could.

"Huh," he said, bringing the cigarette to his mouth but he had no lighter with him. "So have you given any thought to what I said?"

I slammed my suitcase shut. Finny peaked over his shoulder at me. "No." I said definitely.

Brinker sighed. "Still as aggressive and as stubborn as ever." he shook his head.

Phineas looked at us both now then turned to Brinker. "Your so annoying. Haven't you given up the 'know it all' routine yet?"

He didn't like not being part of the conversation and began to take it out on Brinker.

Brinker narrowed his eyes at him and huffed. Then he looked at me. I leaned back on the wall with my arms crossed over my chest and looked away from both of them. I hadn't told Finny about what Brinker had said and Brinker could tell I hadn't by Finny's annoyed attitude. Brinker thought I was avoiding the situation by being stubborn but I didn't care what he thought.

The room remained silent and tense until the door cracked opened a moment later before anyone else could continue the conversation. Leper poked his head in and his eyes scanned the room over looking the soiled mood of the people in it. His eyes stooped on me.

"Gene? We're having a study group meeting at the library. Winter vacation is almost here and we haven't split up the work yet for the project."

I straightened up. "Coming," I said. As I passed by Brinker I pulled the cigarette out of his mouth and through it in his lap. "If you have the need to smoke then take it to the dungeon room. Not in here." I said.

"Wait!" Phineas called from behind me. "I'll go with you."

Leper looked at him puzzled. "But your not even in our class."

"I'd rather spend time with-" Phineas began but I interrupted.

"Finish your packing," I said as I closed the door behind me.