So....took a while, didn't it? Sorry about that. Luckily, we only have one more chapter to write! The others are all finished and ready to be posted. Blame Kris for the lateness. She's lazy :) -Rian

I can't be blamed for all of this....even though I am lazy. Anyway, enjoy! This chapter follows the actual book a little more than the others. Total's chapter will be up soon! (I promise- it's already written)

When we arrived at school, I noticed Kayla, Meredith, and Courtney getting onto one of the buses. I waved goodbye to Max and the rest of the flock, then joined my friends.

Today was the day. I had meticulously planned this out, convincing the principal to let us take a field trip to the White House. I knew Max would never let me go on my own, so this was my best bet. Today, I am going to change the world. For the better, hopefully.

When we got to the White House, we split into groups and took a tour. I had been paired with a girl named Caralyn, but I quickly ditched her once we entered the building.

The president was in a budget meeting in the private part of the house, but I would have no problem getting in there. All of the secret service just waved and smiled as I passed, and the one guarding the meeting room door invited me in for tea. I don't really like tea, but I drank some anyway.

The president was shocked at first, but after I told him my story, he agreed that it was a good idea. After he saw my wings, he knew that the government couldn't keep supplying Itex with money.

President Danning turned out to be really nice, and offered me cookies to go with my tea. In fact, we probably would have continued talking for hours if I hadn't realized Max was looking for me.

The president offered to walk me back to where the rest of the school was- the visitors' center. On the way, I kind of forgot to make the secret service indifferent to our presence, so they went crazy when we entered the crowd.

Max looked surprised, mostly at the President's appearance.

" Hi, Max," I said. "I got lost. Mr. Danning brought me back."

"Hi, uh, Ariel," Max said, stumbling over my fake name. "Uh, thanks. Sir," she said to the president.

He smiled at her. "No problem, miss. Your sister knew you'd be worried. You've got yourself a remarkable little girl here."

Max's thoughts immediately went to my wings, but luckily, she quickly dismissed the idea. For once, I was happy about Max's many fleeting thoughts. She studied me, as if she knew I had done something, but I just smiled innocently.