Thank God it's Friday, Aurora thought as she sat down next to Belle. The week felt like it had dragged on. She was now in her first period Science class with Dr. Doppler. Aurora hated Science, but she had to admit she liked this class. She was definitely grateful to have the class with her best friend so she didn't have to worry about being stuck with a lab partner she couldn't stand. Aurora also like Dr. Doppler. He was very smart, but also really funny; the class was never boring. Dr. Doppler used to teach Astronomy at Stanford University, but then married former Navy Captain, Captain Amelia. Captain Amelia's ship had been attacked and she was seriously injured, and had to leave. Even after she healed, she still had some physical limitations, and could not re-enlist. So, she got a job as a guidance counselor here at Andalasia High School. The commute to Stanford from Andalasia (which is just outside of Anaheim, Ca.) was too far for Dr. Doppler, so he got a teaching job here. If he was bitter about downgrading in his career, he didn't show it.

"Goooood morning, Andalasia High! This is your student council president, Philip, with the morning announcements."

Aurora couldn't help but laugh to herself. Philip always sounded so upbeat and perky during the announcements, but it was all a show. He hated mornings more than anything and usually didn't wake up until after lunch.

Philip proceeded to talk about the basketball game that night, making sure to build up his best friend, Eric, who was undoubtedly the star of the basketball team.

"…And, finally," Philip concluded. "Mrs. Rabbit has announced that this year's Spring Musical is Grease. Auditions will be Monday at 3:30pm in the choir room."

Aurora was glad she had talked to Ariel earlier in the week. Mrs. Rabbit told Ariel on Monday the musical was going to be Grease and Ariel told Aurora right away after choir practice. Aurora has been rehearsing for her audition all week, while everyone else only just learned about it.

Philip came back on the intercom. "Also, don't forget about my boy, Eric's party tomorrow night. See you all there. Go Dragons!"

Belle slid a note over to Aurora.

Are you going to the party tomorrow night?

Aurora dug her pink pen out of her purse, then responded.

No. I have to babysit tomorrow night.

Belle drew a sad face, then wrote:

I'm not gonna go either, then.

The rest of the period they just took notes. They were glad Dr. Doppler did not assign homework for the weekend, not that he ever did. When the bell rang, Aurora and Belle headed to PE.

XXX

It was almost the end of English class, and Mrs. Radcliffe was going on about what times were like when Edgar Allan Poe was alive, back in 18-whatever. Jasmine was no longer paying attention. She was trying to finish up her ideas for the dance team's costumes. She had managed to track down Giselle Wednesday, after school, and they made a plan to get together Saturday afternoon to work on some sketches. But, it was going to cost Jasmine. Apparently, Giselle was saving up for a plane ticket to fly her boyfriend, Edward, in from college to go to the Valentine's Dance with her next month. Edward was attending Princeton, and a round trip ticket cost $400. So, Giselle was charging Jasmine $20 for every costume she made. Conveniently enough, there were twenty girls on the dance team, which gave Giselle the $400 she needed. Jasmine agreed.

Jasmine's father was a huge movie star, and had been since he was in his twenties. They called him the Sultan of Hollywood. When Jasmine was very young, her mom died. Her father refused to ever be with another woman, so he never remarried, or had anymore children. Jasmine was his whole life. He gave her everything she wanted, as long as she earned it. She had to keep he grades up, nothing lower than a B+. She had to clean up after herself at home, and had some chores she had to do. She had the same basic responsibilities as any teenager, except her allowance was $5000 a week. But, only if she followed all of her father's rules; if she broke even one rule, she got nothing for the week. Needless to say, Jasmine was a model daughter.

Jasmine's goal was to attend Chapman University and study dance. But she didn't want to be dependent on her father forever. She was saving up her money so she could afford tuition, books and housing (even though the campus was only a half an hour away from Andalasia), and be able to take care of herself while in school. Jasmine was excited about her independence, though her friends didn't understand it. They all say if their parents were giving them that much money, they'd never do anything again, except shop. But, Jasmine's father raised her better than that. She wasn't going to be the next Paris Hilton.

Esmeralda leaned over and tapped on Jasmine's desk to get her attention. But, as she did this, her fake nail popped off. Esmeralda pulled her hand back and frowned. Jasmine smiled and shook her head.

Of course, all of Jasmine's plans included Esmeralda. They were going to go to school together and live together. Jasmine was going to pay Esmeralda's tuition, as well. Esmeralda's family had almost no money, and was in debt, just like everyone else. But Esmeralda had very big dreams. She wanted to be a dancer, a singer and a model. Jasmine was going to help her get there. Esmeralda worked part-time at the clothing store De Vil, and didn't make a lot of money, but she pitched in half of every paycheck to help with her tuition. It wasn't much, but Esmeralda didn't want to completely mooch off of her friend. Jasmine didn't mind paying for Esmeralda, but she was glad her friend was striving for independence as well.

"Are you going to the party tomorrow night?" Esmeralda whispered to Jasmine.

Jasmine nodded. "Wanna meet at my house around 7:00pm?"

Esmeralda showed Jasmine her finger with the missing nail. "Better make it 5:00pm. I need a manicure."

XXX

Pocahontas met John at his locker before their Science class. John's locker was right by the Math and Science classes, while Pocahontas' locker was at the other end of the school, by the English and History classes. So, to be efficient, they shared lockers; she kept her Math and Science stuff in his locker and he kept his English and History stuff in her locker. Sharing lockers also gave them a chance to see each other more throughout the day.

Pocahontas pulled their Science stuff out the locker. John walked out of Mr. Crane's Math class and threw his Math book in the locker as Pocahontas was closing it. She handed him his Science stuff. John's locker was right next to Dr. Doppler's classroom, so they didn't hurry into the classroom right away.

"How was Math?" Pocahontas asked him.

John shrugged. "Boring. What he's teaching is so easy, but he makes it seem more complicated than it actually is. I feel bad for that one quiet girl… what's her name? The girl with the red hair…"

It took Pocahontas a moment to realize who he was talking about. "Ariel?"

John nodded. "Mr. Crane kept calling on her, but she didn't know any of it. She's gonna struggle in his class."

Pocahontas slowly shook her head. "Every one is gonna struggle in that class except you, Jim, Belle, Jane and Tiana. The rest of us are gonna get addicted to caffeine from staying up late every night trying to make sense of his lessons."

John put his arm around Pocahontas. "Not you, babe. I'll help you."

"You're my hero!" Pocahontas exclaimed in a mock damsel in distress voice.

John laughed, then leaned down and kissed her. "Why don't you come over tonight? Thomas is going to the game to support Rapunzel and it's my parent's date night, so we'll have the house to ourselves. I'll help you with Math, if you make that amazing chicken pasta salad for dinner again."

Pocahontas smiled up at him. "Deal!"

John kissed her again, and they went into the classroom.