Hey all-

I'm going on vacation tomorrow/next week so I posted next week's chapter tonight (if that made sense). I worked really hard to get it out on time. It's pretty long - hope you like! Next Chappie will be up sometime after the 4th.

Reviews make badslayer's day! And she worked really hard on this chapter for you. Show her a little love!

I don't own "The Covenant" or its characters but Kay and Lyra are mine.

CHAPTER 5:

"Tyler, what's up with Reid? He seems more ya'know, weird than usual. Something happen with Kay this morning?" Pogue asked, clapping a hand down on Tyler's shoulder as they walked to their lockers after fifth period AP Literature. Tyler shrugged, brow furrowed. So he wasn't the only one noticing Reid's strangeness.

"Naw. He was acting weird when he got back to our dorm yesterday. I don't know where he went, but he said something about a gir-" Tyler broke off, blue eyes wide.

"Ty? What?" Pogue asked in confusion. He glanced around the hallway, spotting the new face amongst the sea of familiar rich snobs. "Ah. New girl."

"That's her. That's the girl he likes." Tyler's dazed look hardened.

"What? He likes a girl? As in actually likes her? And how do you know it's her?"

"Dude, do you have eyes or not? Check her out. She's perfect." Tyler stated, taking in the subtle curves and healthy glow to the mystery girl's skin. Not many girls in the Academy could make the dark blue uniform look good, but she did, seemingly without effort.

She clutched her books to her chest, meeting every curious glance thrown at her with soft green-brown eyes. Her face was half hidden behind long, light brown hair but what he could see of her expression told him she felt about as out of place as he did sometimes.

"Dude, she's not that hot and doesn't seem the type to put out in the first five minutes. It's not her." Pogue said flatly, but quickly changing his tone at Tyler's glare. "She looks like she'd be nice, though. And check out what she's carrying."

Tyler turned his attention back to the girl who carried in her arms books for every advanced class Spenser offered.

"She has all the same classes as you, bro." Pogue smirked and pushed Tyler towards her as he veered off to his own locker.

Tyler caught himself right before he toppled into the girl. She glanced up at him and looped her hair behind her ear, glancing questioningly up at him. He felt his face burn and he muttered an 'excuse me' and brushed past her to his own locker, feeling embarrassed. Leave it to Pogue to make a fool out of him in front of the girl of his dreams.

"Jackass." He muttered as he put in his combination and opened his locker.

"Excuse me?" A clear voice asked behind him. He turned and found himself looking directly into the green-brown eyes of the new girl. "Did you just call me what I think you did?"

"Perfect? Um, no. Why? Did you hear me say that? Because I didn't. Not that you're not, because, I mean, you are, but-" Tyler said, embarssed even further. The girl blinked at him.

"Nooo…" She broke off, looking part amused, part annoyed. Tyler finally caught on.

"Oh! Jackass… No, that was directed at my friend who almost pushed me into you. Sorry." He blushed crimson.

"Oh. Then never mind. But thanks for the compliment. Made my day." She smiled at him and turned, chuckling, as she made her way down the hallway.

Tyler beat his head against his locker.

"Tyler, what are you doing? A light voice asked playfully. Tyler stopped punishing himself against the metal and glanced over to see Sarah, Caleb's girlfriend, standing next to him.

"Punishing myself for being such an idiot around girls."

"Aw, Ty, c'mon. You're not that bad. Why, look at you now. I'm a girl. You're acting totally normal around me!" She pointed out, taking his arm and leading him toward the commons as Pogue joined them silently. Tyler couldn't help but smile; Sarah's constant happiness was infectious.

"Yeah, but you're not her." He wined as she dragged him through the line, picking out random food. Sarah raised an eyebrow at this and Pogue, laughing, choked on the French fries he'd just inhaled.

"Her?" she asked as she paid for her food, waiting for him and Pogue to do the same.

"Yeah. The new girl." Tyler muttered, concentrating on his Jell-o rather than Sarah's huge smile.

Sarah practically skipped to their table as Pogue carried their tray over, Tyler ambling behind hesitantly. When she reached the table where Caleb and Kate were discussing something from their last class, she plopped down on his lap, giving him a happy kiss. He smiled his crinkly-eye smile and leaned in to kiss her again.

"What did I do to deserve a hello like this?" He asked, still smiling.

"Tyler found a girl!" Sarah squealed. Kate joined her and looked to Tyler, eyes bright.

"What's her name? Does she go here? How do you know her?" She asked, rapid-fire.

"Uhh…New Girl?"

"WHAT?! You don't even know her name?!" Kate asked, shocked but with a look on her face that spelled trouble for Tyler. "Her name's Lyra Balman. She's 17 but her birthday's next week. She's a senior and she just transferred in from some school in the Midwest where she was the top of her class. She has a younger sister, Lauren, who's a freshman and an older brother, Luke, who's a junior majoring in Chemical Engineering at MIT. Her parents' names are Marie and Tom and they've been married for 22 years and are making the move because of his job (another lawyer – what's up with that? Do they just, like, gravitate toward Ipswich?) and because they want the girls to have a good education and they'd heard we're the best." Kate rattled off. The boys stared at her.

"What? I had second period with her." The guys exchanged a look but Sarah slid off Caleb to sit next to Kate, leaning close and whispering excitedly in the darker girl's ear. No one noticed Reid sink down next to Tyler, glancing around for a certain brown-haired beauty, as, at the same time, Kate had let out a shriek of laughter before pulling out her cell phone, smiling wickedly at Tyler.

"Where's Kay?" He asked as Tyler covered his face with his hands, moaning.

"Why do you care?" Sarah shot back and instantly the entire table (even Tyler, although he made no move to show it) became all ears. Sarah and Kate had matching smiles on their faces as they stared Reid down, Lyra and the ringing phone quite forgotten. They had shared Kay's secret crush (which the two Ipswich girls had somehow managed to get her to admit) with Pogue and Caleb, who also watched the younger boys for any kind of reactions, now and then glancing at their girlfriends, wondering if it was healthy for them to be this excited about someone else's love life.

"Just wondered." He was his careless response as he popped open his Coke. Tyler glanced up in time to see Kate and Sarah share a significant look and moved on to banging his head against the table. They both cocked their heads at the same time, thinking, but were brought back by the dulcet tones of "HELLO?!" being screamed at them through the phone by the one and only Lyra.

"Hey, Lyra! It's Kate, from second period?" Tyler let out another groan.

"You." -bang- "Both." –bang- "Suck."

"What, Ty?" Sarah asked, ruffling his messy hair like one would a dog. His glare was answer enough. "Fine. You're never going to get laid this way, though."

"What?!" Caleb and Reid said, simultaneously. Caleb looked shocked but Reid looked at Sarah as if he'd heard her say his name.

"What? We" she gestured to herself and Kate, who was now gushing about how perfect Tyler was and how, if she didn't have Pogue, she would totally go out with him, "know what women want."

Reid snorted and looked away, scanning the commons for the eight time in two minutes.

"What? You think you know women better than us?" Sarah challenged, half offended, half amused.

"Sarah, how many women have I had? I think I know what they like. For example, you like when our fearless leader leans over, like this, and kisses you on the neck, like this. Neck kissing. Women love it. All of them. And you like caressing and feeling warm and loved and being held." Reid said in boredom, leaning back from Sarah's tomato red face and Caleb's dark glare.

The entire table watched him in shock, speechless.

"And I can do that to Sarah, because we all know I have no feelings for her whatsoever and Caleb would beat the shit out of me for even thinking about having them." He glared around the table, daring them to contest his point. Sarah put her hand on Caleb's (which was clutching his fork so hard the plastic shattered) and gave him a reassuring squeeze, which calmed him some.

"Tyler, do exactly what Reid just did to Sarah and you will make some girl very happy some day." A strained voice suggested from behind.

"Kay. Where've you been?" Tyler asked as his sister slid down next to him, as far from Reid as possible while still being at the same table. Her face was oddly frozen and she was late. This did not bode well.

"I had to… talk to a professor… about an essay." She said, looking far too innocent for Tyler to believe her.

"Yeah. And Reid didn't totally just make a move on Sarah." Tyler said, oblivious.

"Yeah, well…"

"Seriously, where were you?"

"Busy."

"Busy doing what with whom?"

"Oh, you know. The usual stuff."

"Quit being evasive!"

"FINE! I was talking to my BOYFRIEND! Is that okay with you?"

"Since WHEN do YOU have a BOYFRIEND!?" Tyler asked, completely thrown.

"Since this really cute guy asked me out third period."

"Who? Do we know him?"

"Yes…"Kay teased, a small smile on her face.

"Is he on the team?"

"Yes…"

"Jesus, it's not Abbot, is it?"

Silence.

"You've got to be kidding me."

"What? He was really nice. He said I was smart and seemed really nice and that he really wants to get to know me better. And he said I was pretty. Not hot, not sexy. Pretty. And he said he really likes me and has for a really long time. That's why he's given you guys such a hard time for so long. He knew you'd hate him anyway."

"And you honestly believed him? Kay, you're even stupider than I thought." Reid's voice burned her ears as he looked behind Tyler's back at her, scorn dripping off him venomously.

"Yeah, and you slept with Laura and Jessica from your Chem class two days ago and everyone knows what total whores they are! You're one to talk, Reid Garwin! At least my BOYFRIEND knows my name and is interested in more than just SEX!" She bit off, trying to stem the flow of tears that were swimming in her eyes at his harsh words.

She wasn't stupid. She knew Aaron was only going with her so she'd put out. But she also knew that if there was one guy Reid Garwin couldn't stand, it was Aaron. Who better to use and make Reid insanely jealous? Unfortunately, things weren't going as smoothly as planned.

"Oh, yeah. Abbot is so deep. I bet you talk all the time and he really listens. What a bunch of bull." Reid glared, not noticing the rest of the table's eyes (including Kate's, who had once again forgotten about Lyra, who was screaming to get her attention) watching the verbal ping-pong match.

"Jesus Christ, are you crying?" Reid asked, incredulous.

"No! Just… Just leave me alone, Reid Garwin! And stay away from my boyfriend!" She screamed at him as she gathered her bag and flew from the table, tears flowing freely. She'd had no idea how much it would hurt to have him look at her like that. This jealousy thing was way more complicated than she'd thought. As she was stumbling her way into the girl's bathroom, she heart Tyler, Pogue, and Caleb's voices all ask as one "Abbot?!" A half-sob, half-laugh escaped her as the door closed behind her.

FLASHBACK - How It Really Went Down

"Abbot! Hold on a sec." Kay called as the lanky teen made for the door after third period.

"What, Simms?" He spat out, obviously not happy to see her, although the way his eyes traveled up her body gave him away. He was very happy to see her, just not necessarily be seen with her. She was affiliated to the Sons of Ipswich, after all.

"You hate Garwin, right?"

"No shit."

"What would you say if I offered you a way to piss him off beyond what you've ever tried before."

"I'd say hell yeah. And then I would ask why. Aren't you always making googley eyes at the punk?" Kay felt her face color as she responded, ignoring the question.

"What I'm proposing is me. You and I act like we're going out, having sex, the whole nine yards. I might not be into Garwin, but he has a thing about me. You have me, and you'll have Garwin by the balls."

"Simms, you are evil. And kinda hot. Exactly what I look for in a woman." And with that he leaned in and kissed her. "And we actually will have sex." He promised before leaning in for another grope-y kiss. She took that as a yes.

END FLASHBACK

She leaned over the sink, taking a few shuddering breaths, oblivious to any other movement in the bathroom. She didn't notice Kira Snider, Aaron's recent (as in 5 minutes ago) ex-girlfriend, burst from the stall directly behind her, intent on sharing her misery with the poor, unsuspecting soul (Kay) who'd just wandered into her private hell. Instead, she got to release a bit of her vindictive fury.

"You think you've won something." She growled, wiping her tear/mascara-stained face with a wad of toilet paper. Kay remained oblivious, instead reaching for a paper towel to blot the tears out with. Kira, unused to being ignored, leaned forward and gave the younger girl a shove. Kay, having no idea she was about to be pushed, and therefore having no time to try to balance herself, fell forward into the metal paper towel dispenser, hand extended, still reaching for a paper towel. Metal met flesh with a sickening crunch and Kay felt something pop in her left index finger, followed by intense pain.

"What the hell was that for?!" She turned around, cradling her hand and not looking at Kira.

"You little home wrecker! You STOLE my BOYFRIEND!" Kira screeched as Kay, still not looking at Kira, watched the skin of her hand turn a dark eggplant color and begin to swell.

"I-" Kay started but was interrupted by the swinging of the door, admitting a frazzled looking Lyra Balman.

"Um, is there a problem here?" She asked, noting the two frozen girls, one of which looked injured.

"Mind your own business, bitch!" Kira bit off angrily, turning back to the injured Kay, who gave her a death glare.

"Yeah…don't think that's going to happen. See, she looks like she's going to rip your head off with one hand while you look like you're going to try but end up having your ass handed to you. So how 'bout I save her the trouble and you the embarrassment and take her to the nurse?" Lyra said smoothly, gliding toward Kay and practically dragging her past a speechless and livid head cheerleader.

"Thank you." Kay said as Lyra released her outside the door.

"No problem." Kay smirked a little bit through the pain.

"I would shake your hand, but…" Lyra smiled and nodded in understanding.

"It's cool. I'm Lyra Balman. I just moved here."

"Kay Simms. I just got my hand broken by Head Bitch of Spenser Academy."

"Simms? Do you-"

"Have a brother? Yes. Tyler. He's 10 months older than me. Have you met?"

"Not yet, but apparently he's totally perfect for me." Lyra rolled her eyes and Kay laughed.

"Are you who Kate was on the phone with?"

"Yeah. Apparently I'm supposed to show up for swim practice tonight and hang with the girls and wait around to meet him. Yay. My Idea Of A Good Time: sweating like a pig in hot, chlorinated air surrounded by fat boys in Speedos." Kay laughed as Lyra wrinkled her nose in distaste.

"Firstly, Ty's a really good swimmer. Secondly, the heat's not that bad. Thirdly, none of the boys at Spenser have an ounce of body fat on them. You'll be drooling over those Speedos by the end of practice. And fourthly, I'll be there to keep you company if it sucks." Kay smiled, even as her hand began to throb in earnest. "You can come meet him right now if you want. I kind a have to go take care of this." She gestured to her hand and, with a smile, started edging back toward the commons.

"Sure. Bring on Mr. Right." Lyra rolled her eyes, following.

"Tyler might be a little busy taking me to the hospital, but you can meet the rest of the family. Get acquainted before you're sweating your brains out all over us." Kay offered

"Alright, I'll come meet them. Plus I don't want you to get jumped again." Lyra's mouth quirked up in a smile and Kay found that she was beginning to really like the new girl.

"That table right there." Kay pointed as her usual table came into view, full of people Lyra thought should have been posing for a magazine instead of just eating lunch. She hung back, intimidated, as Kay poked one of the guys on the shoulder, showing him her hand. He immediately stood and looked at it, already starting toward the parking lot.

"Ty, wait! There's somebody I want you to meet!" Kay stopped him.

"Katherine, you have a broken finger. Can't it wai-" The boy broke off as his and Lyra's eyes met. His baby blues widened in recognition and a blush spread across his face. Lyra waved at him with a small smile.

"Hey, Mr. Perfect. I'm Lyra."

"Uh….Um…"

"Lyra, this is Tyler, that guy I was telling you about?!" Kate bounded up from her seat, wrapping an arm around Lyra's shoulder and steering her over to sit with them next to a blonde haired boy who looked to be sulking.

"As much as I want to stay and chat, my hand really hurts." Kay said, which brought Tyler back from staring at his dream girl.

"Yeah, uh, nice meeting you." He said as he scurried away, embarrassed.

"Thanks again." Kay said to Lyra. "Be. Nice." She warned 'the family' with a severe glare. Lyra noticed her gaze linger on the blonde boy before she turned and started jogging after Tyler.

"Er, right." Lyra said awkwardly. They were all staring at her.

"Oh, sorry. I'm Sarah." The pretty blonde girl on the other side of the table introduced with a warm smile. "This is my boyfriend, Caleb." She pointed to a brunette boy with deep brown eyes who also smiled warmly at her. "You know Kate, but this is Pogue, her boyfriend." Sarah introduced the long haired guy who was shoveling in food like it was going out of style. He gave her a nod, which earned him a slap on the head from Kate who whispered audibly "you're such a pig! SAY HI!" which he, needless to say, did.

Lyra smiled at him and snatched a fry.

"And this bad-ass is Reid." Sarah introduced the last member of the table, who glared at her sulkily.

"Well, it's really good to meet all of you, but Kay kind of caught me on my way to the bathroom, so I kind of have to go take care of that." Lyra said, standing.

"We'll go with you." Sarah and Kate stood and the guys shared an eye roll. What is up with girls and going to the bathroom in packs?

(A/N: Kira didn't have her entourage with her in the bathroom because I didn't want to go back and write them in and because I really wanted it to just be Lyra that saved Kay)

(A/N: I don't know why Reid kissed Sarah's neck - it wasn't to make anybody jealous. It just sort of happened to be the catalyst to set Kay off.)

(A/N: The flashback sucks, I know. I had to write it in (because it felt incomplete without it) and by 9:30 I'm too tired to really write well. Suck it up - you get the picture from it. (The Picture (for those of you who missed it) Aaron is only doing it to piss Reid off and to get in Kay's pants))

Please R&R!