A/N Ok, this is like the longest that I haven't updated a story that I was planning on continuing! I feel ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE! You guys must hate me! I just want to thank Kate () for reviewing and reminding me that this story is here, and it needs to be continued, and I only have 3 chapters (well 4 now) and thanks to you amazing reviewers, I have around 45 reviews! :'D I love you guys and I promise I will update the fifth chapter REALLY soon!

...

It was 9:55 and the gang was still stuck in there, trying to get Jerome to say his secret way out.

"Come ON Jerome, haven't you tortured us long enough?" Mara asked. For a brief second it looked like Jerome was going to tell them, but a second later it was gone and replaced by his usual smirk.

"Look, you guys have never liked me, so why should I pretend I like ANY of you? Hm?" Jerome's faced turned to anger, "I hate you guys! You know why? Because none of you understand brilliant people, like me!" Jerome was really serious. Alfie's face looked more sad than it had ever been.

Slowly everyone took turns shutting up, each one turning around and noticing Alfie's devestated face.

"... I really thought we were friends Jerome. I thought you liked me. But I'm just a toy for you to play with. To use. You never liked me." A few people had Awww'd in sympathy, and then everyone turned to Jerome with furious faces. Though, when they saw Jerome's face theirs softened. He looked like he was ready to cry. His smirk was gone and he was staring at Alfie, who had sat in a corner and had his face in his knees.

"... Everyone... Everyone look away! This needs to be as private as it can be." Surprisingly, no one argued, not even Patricia. The group squished into another corner on the other side of the room and faced anywhere but Jerome and Alfie.

Jerome sat down next to Alfie and put a hand on his shoulder. "Alfie... Alfie look at me." Alfie didn't move, so Jerome just gave up and started talking.

"Ever since the day I met you, I've thought you were annoying. In fact, the first day we met, I hated you. I was still mad and confused as to why my mom had left me here, and I didn't want a roommate because the first few years I was here I didn't have one. But as much as you tried to hang out with me, I pushed you away... You never gave up though. So finally I started letting you help me with my pranks. We taught each other pranks we knew and pulled them on all the suckers that live with us. And we still do. The more we hung out, the more I actually liked you as a friend. I was getting used to you...

But I know, sometimes I get carried away. I let myself go too far and I hurt you and other people really bad. I treat you like you're my slave... The truth is I actually do feel guilty when I push you too much, but I never admit it. I never apologize. I... I don't know why... I'm just... that's the way I am. And... you're the only true friend I've ever had. I don't want you to hate me. I'm... I'm sorry Alfie."

Everyone was too utterly shocked to say anything. Amber and Nina had teared up, and Mara was practically bawling. She knew more about Jerome, about his parents and what he'd been through.

Alfie had smiled when he heard the part about when they first met. He never turned to look at Jerome, knowing that it would only make it harder for him to be so... sensitive and admitting. Jerome had just poured his heart out. Alfie sat up and hugged his friend. At first Jerome tried to be his normal self and didn't hug back, as if it was too un-cool for him. Finally he gave in and hugged back though.

"...Can we turn around now?" Amber asked.

"No," Alfie said, letting go of his best friend. "Thank you Jerome. I know I annoy you sometimes and you can be a real jerk, but you really are my best friend too." He smiled at his friend. Jerome's face had turned red from the utter embarrassment.

I can't believe this. My whole reputation is ruined! It's too late now. Or maybe... I'll think of a way to make these other chumps pretend this never happened.

"You guys can turn around... I guess." Jerome muttered. Instantly Amber, Mara, and Nina rushed over to hug Jerome and Alfie. Jerome was caught off guard. He reluctantly hugged back a few times. Fabian, Patricia and Mick shrugged at each other and joined in all the hugging. Even Mick, who usually disliked Jerome, gave him a quick man hug.

Not to anyone's surprise, Jerome went right back to normal.

"Okay, listen up." He stood up and so did Alfie. "I'm willing to tell you how to get out, if you promise not to tell anyone what I just did. In fact, just act like it never happened at all. Don't mention it to each other, and especially not to me. Deal?"

Alfie understood his friend not wanting his reputation taken away and nodded. Amber nodded. Patricia nodded but with an unsure look on her face. Fabian, Nina and Mara looked at each other. If Jerome wasn't really a jerk, why did he act like one? Mick just said "Whatever, sure."

"But, Jerome. You're sweet, kind, and people will like you more," Mara dared to say. Jerome stood face to face with Mara.

"I am this way Mara. I'm only like that when I want to be. Which is hardly ever." His face had gotten even closer to hers. There was silence as he searched her eyes for a "fine, I won't talk about it." but he only found something else. Jerome felt happy standing so close to her. Deep down he knew he liked her, but he hated admitting to liking anyone. Besides, he had just tortured himself by saying ALL that to Alfie. In Mara's eyes, Jerome found... love? Not possible, He thought, She likes Mick. I'm obviously just seeing things. Mara must have realized how close they were because she turned away quickly.

"Look, I for one like the nice Jerome, much better than the jerk Jerome." she said not looking at him. He rolled his eyes.

"If you don't tell anyone, I'll be... How about... Well, it will be extremely hard, but I can try to be a little nicer to all of you." Jerome looked at Mick who seemed to be deep in thought. Nina and Fabian finally nodded and said they'd let him be himself again.

"But I'm not going to tell you guys how to get out until Mara has completely agreed." Patricia rolled her eyes. No one was getting mad. It was almost like hearing the nice Jerome made them feel awkward and they wanted regular Jerome back.

Mara sighed. "Just let me think about it."

...

For a while, everyone talked to their usual friends. Mick to Mara. Amber, Fabian, Patricia, and Nina. Jerome to Alfie. No one brought up the subject because they said they wouldn't, but Mara still was thinking about what to do.

"Mara. While... while no one is paying attention." Mick pulled her over towards the dryer so no one could hear them as well.

"I saw how you two were looking at each other," he said.

"What? What are you talking about?" Mara asked, not understanding.

"You and Jerome. It's obvious you have feelings for each other." Mara couldn't believe her ears. And how was Mick saying this without getting mad?

"Look, Mick..." she took a deep breath. "The truth is, when you were gone for your sports scholarship, I was with Jerome a lot for our campaign. In fact, I think he tried to ask me out at one point... But anyway, I think I did sort of start to like him. Because, as you can see, he can be REALLY nice. I'm so sorry I'm dumping this out on you... You sort of... asked for it..." Mara couldn't believe she just told Mick all that. A grin came onto his face.

"Can I tell you something too?" he asked, but didn't wait for an answer, "When I was gone, I found myself thinking of you a lot. But even more than you I thought of... well, Ams. I know we broke up, but... I think I still have some feelings for her..." There was a long pause. "Now what...?" he asked. The two were smiling.

"I don't know..." Mara said. They were both still smiling slightly. "Are we... breaking up?"

"I... I guess so..." Mick said. The two hugged. "I guess our feelings for each other just faded. Friends?"

"Of course." Mara kissed his cheek and went to tell Amber, Nina, Patricia, and Fabian. Mick went to tell Alfie and Jerome.

...

"Um... Mara and I just broke up." Mick patted Jerome on the back. Jerome's eyes lit up but his expression stayed serious.

"What? Why?" Alfie asked.

"We're just better as friends. Our feelings have changed." He patted Jerome's back again.

"Why do you keep doing that?" Jerome asked annoyed, moving away a little.

"Hopefully, you'll find out. Good luck with Mara." Mick walked away. Alfie smiled widely.

"OOOoooh! Dude! Now's your shot!" Jerome's mouth opened slightly in shock. Was it that easy to tell that he liked Mara that a nincompoop like Mick could tell? This is just great. Just great, Jerome thought, now what do I do?

...

"Guys, Mick and I just broke up." Mara said.

"What? Why?" Patricia asked.

"Awww what happened? You two were almost as cute as me and Mick were! Almost," Amber said.

"It's fine Amber, we're better as friends. Our feelings have changed."

"Does that mean you've both moved on to someone else?" Amber asked, curious.

"I think so," Mara smiled at Amber, "Good luck."

Fabian and Nina looked at each other, both thinking, Does Mick want Amber back? and Who does Mara like?

...

A/N So yeah I FINALLY wrote more and I hope you liked it! It was a little less funny than the rest, but hey, LOTS of Jara, and a little Mamber! R & R! LOVE YOU ALL! Chapter 5 is coming soon!

~Peace