Thank you guys so much for every watch, favorite, follow and review. It truly does mean the world to me. I'm truly blown away with the fact that I even have people who read my story and I just want to let you all know that I'm completely sincere with my thanks to you guys. Readers are one of the main reasons why I write and why I enjoy posting stories - though I'm only currently working on this one story right now - and it's just the simple fact that you're reading this story that makes my day. I honestly do not write to get reviews, I write because it is something that I enjoy doing. I post because I want to share what I've written with others. I just wanted to let you all know that.

In other news, I cannot guarantee that I will be posting a chapter next Friday due to the holiday next week. I do, unfortunately, work Thanksgiving night and while I do have Friday off, I have plans to spend it with my family and not on my laptop. Although the plans are not finalized yet so things could still change. Just a forewarning for a possible just in case on the matter. On that note, I wish everyone who celebrates the holidays next week to have a safe, happy and warm holiday. And if you do go out shopping holiday blitz events, please be kind to those working, we're missing out on quality time with our families to assist you.

Please feel free to check out my profile page for other websites that I frequent. While links are not up, my usernames are so it should be easy to find me. And check out my website if you'd like. It's hosted by weebly and entitled Lost Cicada. Like always, positive criticism and feedback is welcomed and encouraged.

Chapter Two

It was official, Alessa and Tony started school in a weeks time, right after the autumn holiday. Alessa in Year Eight, Tony in Year Five. Unlike Tony, Alessa had to do some minor catching up with her classes and turn in the work on her first day. Good thing she had a week to do it in.

Alessa soon found herself staring at her reflection, blue-gray eyes wide with worry and apprehension. Golden blonde hair fell in a messy braid over her right shoulder, contrasting against the dark navy jacket of the uniform. Gold buttons and a lone golden stripe at the base of the jacket added much needed accents. A white collared dress shirt with a red tie was worn underneath. The tie held two gold stripes and was currently resting on top of the jacket. And there was the part causing all the worry. The gray skirt, the short gray skirt with two blue stripes at the bottom. Pleated and too short for Alessa's liking. She frowned, tugging it in an attempt to make it longer.

"Is everything okay Alessa?" Dottie questioned. "Does it all fit okay?"

As tempted as she was to lie. To say the skirt wasn't the right size, she knew better. Dottie would want to see and she'd be caught.

"It's fine. Everything fits."

"Come out and let me see." Alessa groaned. Did her mother honestly think she was lying? Why did she want to see her? Alessa hesitated.

"Do I have to?"

"Don't make me come in there." This was torture, she was sure of it. Still, Alessa stepped out into the rest of the store, eyes on the floor. She blushed.

"You look so beautiful Alessa. So sophisticated and grown up. And oh how that jacket brings out the blue in your eyes."

"It fits, see. Can I please change now?" Dottie smiled,amused by her daughter's bashfulness. She pretended to think about it.

"Go on." She chuckled softly as Alessa disappeared into the dressing room once again. She turned to Tony. "You're next."

Tony groaned,slagging in his hair. Alessa emerged from the fitting room, adjust her teal headband.

"I'm going to look around a but, okay?"

"Not too far. We still need to get you new shoes." Alessa simply nodded, walking off between the different clothing racks. If only for a little while, things felt normal again. It made the teen smile.

While browsing through the sweaters, Alessa was unaware of the eyes following her. Watching her. Maybe she wouldn't have been taken by surprise if she had been aware.

"Aren't you a sight to behold." An accented voice confidently spoke out startling Alessa, causing her to stumble and nearly fall. The boy chuckled, taking hold of her arms to steady her. "Easy there, lassie. Wouldn't want you ta get hurt now. You alright there?"

"I...I'm fine. Thank you." Alessa replied slightly breathless from the near fall. She gazed up at the one she was basically leaning on and slightly blushed. He was kind of cute, a few inches taller than her with hazel eyes and champagne brown hair with hints of red. He had a light smirk on his face and gave off the feeling of being overly confident. Not her type at all.

"You must be new around here. Where are you from?"

"California.." Alessa trailed hesitantly. He had yet to let her go and it was starting to make her a little unnerved.

"My name's Finlay. What's yours?"

"Aly it's time to go." Tony's voice sounded from close by. Alessa inwardly groaned, she hadn't wanted to give him her name. Finlay's eyes narrowed and he frowned when Tony finally appeared. Tony wasn't sure what to think and made a confused face.

"I've got to go."Alessa quickly stated and Finlay finally released her. She quickly made her way to her brother before turning to face the boy. "It was...nice meeting you Finlay."

"Likewise, dear Aly. Hope ta see you around." She didn't respond to him. He made her uncomfortable. She took Tony's hand and fled.

"If you tell mom, I'll kill you." She hissed out lowly. "I don't need her thinking things...understand?"

"Uh...sure?"

"Good."