AN: I love that so many people keeping up with my story. It gets even more complicated from here.

Chapter 10

"I changed my mind," I said, panicking.

It was Sunday, the last day of the long weekend and Roy decided it would be "a good idea" to teach me some self-defense. Yesterday Roy had taught me some defense positions and that was okay, but now we were moving on to actual hand-to-hand combat. Me against Roy? Terrifying.

So there I was, dressed in yoga pants, pumas, and a tank top, facing Roy, who was kind of intimidating, even in sports shorts and a sleeveless T-shirt.

"I promise you'll have fun," Roy said.

"Or I'll die. I think option two is more likely."

Roy rolled his eyes, "Come one, get in the stance I showed you yesterday."

I get in the stupid stance and my mind goes blank as Roy comes at me. After only a second, I'm lying on my back and Roy's kneeling over me, asking if I'm okay.

"I hate you," I growled.

"Yup, you're fine."

Roy helped me up and we got started again.

Soon I was able to stop his attacks, get up off my back using leg strength, and use ten different pressure points to disarm a person, but I still couldn't slam Roy down on to his back.

Yet.

Dinah came in and said it was time for me to go back home.

"Don't worry," Dinah said, sensing my disappointment, "you'll come here every day after school, just like the rest of the team."

I nodded and went to pack a few things.

Everyone came to see me off.

"You should stay every weekend," M'gann pleaded. "We'd have girls' nights, doing each other's hair and nails and have so much fun!"

I nodded as Artemis came up to me.

"In case it wasn't clear earlier: I trust you."

"Thanks," I said before pulling a surprised Artemis into a hug.

"See you around, Spice," Dick said. When I raised an eyebrow, he explained, "I thought it was a cooler codename than 'home-base.'"

I punched Dick in the shoulder and everyone laughed. We were, apparently, a laughing sort of crowd. That was perfect for me.

"You ready?" Roy asked.

"Yeah," I sighed and waved goodbye one last time.

As I walked into the transporter, it put a smile on my face when I heard, "Red Arrow. 2-1. Spice. 2-3."

()*()*()

Monday morning. I hate Monday mornings. After an exciting weekend, how could I not?

I stretched my back out, got out of bed and got dressed.

"How was your weekend at your grandmother's?" Mom asked as I sat down at the table.

I paused.

Grandmother's? Oh, right. Good going, M'gann.

"Fine," I answered.

"Abby called. Several times, in fact. I never answered, though. I don't know why."

Knock, knock.

"I got it," I said, thankful I wouldn't have to comment, and ran to the door.

It was Roy. I looked over my shoulder and when I didn't see my mom, gave Roy a small kiss.

"Why so sneaky?" he asked.

"I would never hear the end of it," I replied. I grabbed my bag and yelled, "Mom, I'm going to school."

The minute I reached the front of the school, Abby ran up to me and started screaming at me.

"Where have you been? I left you six voice mails and 18 text messages! No one answered at your house. I've been going out of my mind!"

I pulled my cell out of my pocket. I felt terrible because she was right, but she mailed to mention the 32 missed calls.

"I'm sorry, Ab-"

"Don't 'sorry' me. Where were you?"

"I, ah, was at... my grandmother's. She lives out in the country so there was no service."

"You're lying-"

"Abby, calm down," Roy said as he walked up behind me, "she's not lying."

Abby wasn't paying attention. She was staring openly at the person beside Roy.

Kaldur.

"Hey, Kaldur," I said nervously. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to speak with Roy," Kaldur's expression turned puzzled. I looked over at Abby to see that she was still staring, her mouth hanging down just a little it.

"Abby," I whispered. That shook her out of her gaze.

"Sorry," she said. "Say, you look kinda familiar-ow!"

I had elbowed Abby in her side. She elbowed me back. Of course.

Kaldur shifted uncomfortably, said he should be going and walked off.

"I swear he looked familiar," Abby mumbled.

"Trust me, you've never seen him before," I said quickly, dragging her into the building. "See you later, Roy!"

"Wait, when did you become friendly with Roy?" Abby asked.

I ignored the question.