Here's a new chapter! This chapter is just a few snipets of things that happened before the winter dance. The winter dance is probably next chapter or something and it gets intense lol!

Thanks to everyone who's been reveiwing my story!

I'm on vacation all next week but i'm bringing my laptop so i'll try and update if i have time. :)

Enjoy!

Chapter Ten: Friends...or Foes?

I hurried to the audition with Klaus following. Kate told me that we were signed up for five o'clock in the evening and it was only 4:45pm. Klaus' audition was at 4:50pm.

We got to the studio just as they were calling Klaus into audition.

"Good luck," I said, as he went inside.

I convinced Klaus to sing Desperado by the Eagles again because I just loved that song with his voice and it wasn't a song that was used too much for shows, as it was an older song.

I sat on the bench outside. Kate and Christina weren't there which was odd. I was the only person there and I guessed that there weren't any other people coming anytime soon. Even when Klaus came out they failed to show. 'What was keeping them?' I wondered.

I walked into the studio. Alfonso gave me another one of his creepy smiles that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up, when he saw me. Then he looked down at the clipboard he was holding. He gave me a strange look.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, looking confused.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "I'm auditioning for the Company show," I explained, "except my friends aren't here yet."

Alfonso's eyes widened. "Your friends were here," he explained, half-smirking. "They said you decided not to do it and then they performed that song for us."

I gapped, my face paling.

"B-but they told me to come at five o'clock," I protested, as if that would make everything better, "how could they have done it without me? It was a three-part harmony."

Alfonso shrugged. "They made it a two-part harmony I guess," he said, "well are you auditioning or not because I am a very busy man."

"I…I…" I bit my lip and pinched myself so I wouldn't cry. Why would they think I didn't want to be in the Company show? Maybe they told me the wrong time by accident. Could they really have done this on purpose? I was so confused and I needed to talk to someone. I glanced at the door. I needed to talk to Klaus. He would know what to do. "Can I have a second?" I asked.

Alfonso narrowed his eyes but nodded. "Make it quick, orphan," he said.

I hurried out the door and found Klaus sitting on the bench. He got up and gave me an odd look.

"Where are Kate and Christina?" he asked.

At that second, I couldn't take it anymore, and tears flooded down my cheeks.

"Jane?" Klaus said, softly, stepping toward me. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"T-they…um…" I could barely speak through my tears, "They already came."

Klaus looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"T-they auditioned w-without m-me. K-kate lied."

Understanding washed over Klaus and he gaped like I had.

"Oh no, Jane," he said, concerned, taking another step toward me. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and I cried softly.

"I-I don't know why," I whispered, "I never..."

"I know," Klaus said, rubbing my back gently, "I'm sorry, Jane."

"It's not your fault," I said.

Someone coughed suddenly.

We broke apart and looked to see Alfonso staring at us. He looked like he was growing impatient with us.

"So, orphan," he said, "what's it going to be?"

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. "I-I don't think I'm going to audition," I said. I took Klaus' wrist and began towing him away.

"Wait," Klaus said, stopping so I would too. Alfonso was starting to leave. "Don't go," he said.

Alfonso turned back and gave Klaus an odd look.

"What do you want, boy?" Alfonso said, narrowing his eyes.

"Just wait for a few more seconds," Klaus said, before turning to me, "This isn't over, Jane."

"What else can I do?" I said, glancing towards Alfonso who was still watching us.

"Sing something else," Klaus suggested.

I shook my head. "I can't," I said, hopelessly.

"Of course you can," Klaus insisted, "you must have something you can sing. What about the song that you sang for me that first day at Company?"

I shook my head. "I can't do that," I said, grimacing, "I barely practiced it. I rehearsed 'Home Sweet Home' like a million times before this. I know all the parts off by heart."

Klaus gave me a small smile and winked. I gapped, understanding. "I could sing that song," I said, my heart rose, "oh, thank you Klaus."

I hugged him tightly then I faced Alfonso.

"I can do that right?" I asked, "I can sing that song."

Alfonso nodded. "Yes," he said, a little irritated, "those girls didn't even sing that song."

I felt a small pang in my chest as he said that. It made me realize, that the entire time, they had probably been rehearsing a different song without me. I shook it off, though and followed Alfonso into the room to audition.

The next day was awful. When I arrived to math class Christina and Kate didn't wave to me or say hi at all. They just ignored me. So after class I went to confront them.

"Hey," I said, tapping Christina on the shoulder.

She turned and smiled. "Oh hey Janie," she said, cheerfully as if nothing was wrong. Then she frowned. "Where were you yesterday?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We went to the audition but you weren't there," Kate said, "why didn't you come?"

"I did come," I said, "you told me it was at five o'clock."

They exchanged confused looks. "Are you sure?" Christina asked giving me a funny look.

"I'm pretty sure I told you it was at four o'clock," Kate pointed out.

"Yes, I'm sure," I said, "I wrote it down." I took out one of my notebooks and flipped to the inside cover. In pencil, I had written down five o'clock.

"Look, Janie," Christina said, "we have to get to class or we're going to be late."

They left without even saying goodbye.

I stuffed my book back into my bag and trudged along the pathway to catch up with Klaus.

"What did they say?" Klaus asked.

"They said they told me four o'clock," I said, "but I swear it was five. I even wrote it down."

"What did they say when you showed them?" Klaus asked again.

"Nothing," I said, "actually they didn't even look at it. They just said they were going to be late for class and then left."

Klaus frowned. "Maybe you shouldn't bother with them anymore," he said, "they clearly aren't very nice girls. You have plenty of other friends."

"Where have you been, Klaus?" I said, grimacing, "My other friends hate me."

Klaus frowned. "They can't hate you," he said, "I'm sure if you told them about everything and said you were sorry, they would forgive you."

"Maybe," I replied, "but I highly doubt it."

"Well, despite that," Klaus said, "I'm your friend, Jane."

I gave him a small smile. "I know," I said, "so if I ever do anything in the future to hurt you or make you hate me like I did with my other friends well…I'm just apologizing in advance. It would be just like me to lose friends like you and your siblings for stupid reasons."

"I don't think I could ever hate you, Jane," Klaus said, making me blush, "no matter how many silly reasons you can come up with."

"Good," I said, and we shared a small smile.

At lunch Klaus and I sat alone at a small table near the back. I didn't really mind it so much. Klaus talked about all the things he had learned in his American Literature class and like always I loved learning about everything and everyone he researched.

"I feel like I've been talking way too much," Klaus said, after he finished telling me about the life of Edgar Allen Poe and how the cause of his sudden death was a mystery. "Have you read any good books lately?"

"Does Pretty Little Liars count?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Klaus chuckled. "Sure," he said and I started to tell him all about the books. I'd only just finished the first book so I wasn't too far into the series to know a whole lot. But we laughed a lot. That made my day just a little easier.

"Janie?"

We stopped talking and turned to see Connor.

"Oh, hey," I said.

"What are you doing over here?" Connor asked, his eyes drifting to Klaus.

I glanced briefly at Klaus too, who was looking away. I couldn't read his expression.

"I was about to ask the same question," I said, "but to answer yours, well, Klaus and I just decided to sit somewhere else today."

"Oh, okay," Connor said, "do you want to go get a cookie with me again?" He winked.

"Um…" I glanced at Klaus who was still looking away, "okay…only for a moment though."

I walked over to the lunch line with Connor. I grabbed two cookies.

"Thanks," Connor said, taking the second one from me. I opened my mouth to tell him that the cookie was for Klaus when he kept talking. "Do you remember when we talked on Tuesday?"

I nodded. "You were about to ask me something when…Mr. Alfonso interrupted."

"Yeah," Connor said, "so I was going to ask you…uh…well…I know it's a little late but…the dance on Saturday…well…do you want to…"

"Go together," I finished for him.

Connor nodded. "Yes," he said, "so what do you think?"

I furrowed my eyebrows. I hated letting him down like this but I just wasn't in the mood to go to the dance anymore. Klaus and I were going to hang out in the common room with Violet and Sunny. I felt the best way to say no was just to be honest.

"I'm sorry," I said, "I would but…I'm not going to go to the dance anymore."

Connor frowned, obviously hurt from being rejected. "Oh…I'm sorry I-"

"No," I said, "don't apologize. I really would have said yes but…well Christina, Kate, and I haven't really been getting along lately. It's really put a damper on my mood and I just don't feel like going to a dance. It has nothing to do with you at all."

Connor looked a little relieved. "Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better," he said.

Klaus Baudelaire

I saw Connor approaching the table and tried not to scowl. I knew what he was up to because he had talked non-stop about it all last night and this morning.

"Janie?" he said.

Jane broke off midsentence and turned to see Connor.

"Oh, hey," she said.

"What are you doing over here?" Connor asked, eyeing me as if he didn't think I belonged at this table. I looked away towards the cafeteria doors so Jane wouldn't see my obvious hatred for Connor. I felt Jane turn her gaze on me and hoped she hadn't seen my expression.

"I was about to ask the same question," Jane said, "but to answer yours, well, Klaus and I just decided to sit somewhere else today."

"Oh, okay," Connor said, "do you want to go get a cookie with me again?" I looked briefly towards Connor in time to see him wink. I clenched my fists under the table.

"Um…" Jane trailed off. I looked away again and felt Jane's gaze on me again, "okay…only for a moment though."

They left for the lunch line. I guess I should have known Jane would agree to it. She didn't like to let people down like that. I wasn't mad at Jane. Only Connor and those rude girls who had hurt Jane. I didn't want her getting mixed into that crowd again. I was afraid that she would get hurt again and it would be my fault again because I hadn't done anything to prevent it.

I watched them as they talked at the lunch line. I couldn't make sense of what they were saying but I could tell when Connor finally got the courage to ask because he was tenser. I saw Jane as she thought about a response. I closed my eyes and hoped she would say no.

I knew I had been stalling for a bit but I was planning on asking Jane to the dance soon. I just wasn't sure how or when. I couldn't just blurt it out and I knew if I tried, I wouldn't be able to get any words out. When Jane told me that she didn't want to go to the dance anymore, I decided that I would tell her at the Company show. I told Jane that I was singing Desperado by the Eagles, and while I liked the song, I secretly chose something else. I chose one of Jane's favorite songs that would hopefully make her understand how I felt about her. The song I chose was one of Jane's favorites. Of course, I'd thought of other ways to tell her. I'd thought about all of the books I've read and how the man told the woman he loved how he felt. Some of them wrote love letters, others were subtler about it, and some like Romeo in 'Romeo and Juliet' was bold enough that he walked up to her and confessed right away. But for them it was love at first sight and it was also a fictional play. As much as I hoped, reality was nothing like fiction and I had no idea whether Jane felt anything for me at all. What if I told her the truth and was let down? I was afraid of risking our friendship over it.

So I'd felt that using tactics from literature was not the best way to tell her. I came to the conclusion of telling her through song because I knew she loved music and apparently she thought I was quite good at singing too. The results for the auditions were posted and surprisingly, I made the show. I didn't expect Alfonso to pick me. Jane was picked too, but it didn't surprise me. She had a beautiful voice. It reminded me of how my mother used to love to go to see the Opera or other theatrical shows. She would have loved to meet Jane.

I frowned to myself and felt a twinge of sadness thinking about my mother. I missed my parents terribly. If they were alive, I knew my father would have been the first person I went to for advice. My next choice would be my mother. But I couldn't ask them for help anymore. I wondered how Jane did it. How did she go about never really knowing her parents? I don't know if I would be as brave about it. Jane was so tough sometimes that it surprised me. When she snuck into Shirley's office just to help me, I was frightened to learn that at first and I was still a little upset that Jane had put herself at risk like that but I was still thankful. It made me like her even more.

Jane sat back down then.

I'd been so immersed in my own thoughts that I had barely paid attention to what was going on. I shook my head to clear my thoughts.

"Hey," I said, "what happened?"

Jane shrugged. "He kind of just asked me to the dance," she said, nonchalantly.

"Really?" I said, trying to bite back my frustration.

"Yeah," she said, "but I told him no."

I gaped. "W-why?" I asked, my heart rose.

She shrugged again. "Well, I just don't feel like going to the dance anymore," I said, "like I told you."

I nodded. "I'm sure he was a little upset," I said.

Jane smiled. "Yes," she said, "a little bit but I just told him the truth. He felt better after that."

I nodded silently. I had to keep back my smile that would probably give away my relief that Jane hadn't said yes.

Jane Rumary

After rehearsal that evening, I headed for the dance studio where I had Jazz everyday. We were supposed to have a brush up rehearsal tonight since tomorrow was our dance show. I wished that time could speed up and I wouldn't have to see Christina and Kate again. They haven't spoken to me since this morning and I was in no mood to talk to them tonight.

"Why can't you come?" I muttered to Klaus as I reached the studio. Klaus had agreed to walk with me to the studio to make me feel a little better.

He chuckled. "I'd rather not dance around in a leotard."

"Oh, come on," I pressed, grinning, "you could be the next Billy Elliot."

"Let's be realistic, Jane," Klaus said, "I'll be in the common room."

"Okay," I sighed in defeat.

Klaus waved and walked back towards the common room. I turned and climbed up the stairs and into the building. I walked past the auditorium and the gym to Studio A. Christina and Kate were already there, stretching. I found a spot away from them and started to stretch too.

We began rehearsing. I could see Kate and Christina reflected in the mirror. Every time we finished running through the dance, they would glance at me every now and then, before snickering and whispering things to each other. I took a deep breath and told myself to relax. I tried to distract myself by thinking about Klaus. Soon I could go to the common room and just read with Klaus. That was one of the things I looked forward to doing.

I managed to last the rehearsal though it was more awful with every second that went by. I went to go change back into my regular clothes. As I walked towards the exit, I saw Alfonso standing outside of the auditorium doors.

"I hope to see you in my office soon, Jane," he said, in a low voice so only I could hear.

"H-hopefully," I said, miserably, "Is there any chance I could have an extension?"

"No," Alfonso said, firmly.

"I don't know what to do, though," I complained, "don't you have anything? I thought you loved to scheme."

Alfonso's eyes darkened and I took a step away from him. "I could do that," Alfonso said, irritated, "but what's the fun in that? And I already did my part. You just need to do yours and if I told you what to say…then it wouldn't be nearly as believable."

I sighed. "Well I have nothing so far," I muttered, "the last time I was forced to leave."

Alfonso's eyes shone brightly as he stared at me. "Then do whatever you did last time," he suggested.

I frowned. "No," I cried, appalled at what he was asking of me, "I would never do that. I never did that." I sighed. "I'll come up with something that doesn't involve me doing something bad."

Alfonso scowled. "Fine," he said, "but if you don't think of anything, you have a last resort."

I bit my lip and headed outside. As I walked down the stairs, I felt someone's hands on my back. I fell down the remaining steps, landing on my hands and knees at the bottom. Fortunately, I hadn't been too far from the ground.

I turned and saw Kate and Christina coming down the stairs with a few other girls. They were all laughing. I gawked at them, feeling humiliated.

"What the hell was that?" An angry voice yelled.

A girl with straight black hair stormed over to them. They exchanged glances as if they thought she was insane.

"Did you just push her?" she stepped closer to them.

"What are you talking about?" Kate asked, innocently, "We were just walking down the stairs and Janie tripped or something."

"You liar," the girl snarled, "You stay away from her, you hear me? Or I'll show you what it feels like to be pushed."

"What is going on out here?" Alfonso said as he came outside. He saw me still on the ground and narrowed his eyes at the girl with black hair.

"Those girls pushed Jane," the girl said, angrily.

"We didn't do anything," Christina said, "Melissa is lying to you. She pushed Janie, right?" Christina looked at me, her eyes hard.

"I…" I started. Everyone was staring at me. "I don't know who did it. actually, no one did. I just tripped, clumsy me."

"See," Kate said, "Janie just tripped."

Alfonso was still looking at Melissa and glared at her for a second before giving the others a phony smile. "Good," he said, "now off you go to your dorms."

Alfonso left and Kate, Christina, and their friends left, with peals of laughter. I frowned to myself and felt my vision blurring with tears.

"Are you okay?" Melissa asked, softly. She walked over and helped me up off of the ground.

"Y-yeah," I managed.

"You shouldn't have done that," Melissa said.

"I know," I said, quietly, "but I knew if I didn't, they would tease me about it."

Melissa grimaced. "Strangely, I understand," she said, smiling slightly, "I've had that happen to me before."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Really?"

She nodded and picked up the bag I had been carrying. She handed it to me. "Yes," Melissa said, "not here, though. And when it happened to me, there wasn't anyone around to stop it."

"I'm sorry," I said.

Melissa gave me a small smile. "It's okay," she said, "it's not that important. Let's go back to the common room, I'll walk with you."

"Thanks," I said, wiping my eyes with my sleeve.

We started for the common room.

"Are you Violet's friend?" Melissa asked.

I nodded.

"I'm her roommate," Melissa said.

I just nodded. Violet kept trying to convince us that Melissa was nice now. I didn't really trust her that much at first but she seemed to be right. Violet was usually right about a lot of things. I looked up to her because of that.

We arrived back at the common room. Klaus was reading inside. Violet was sitting with him and Sunny too.

Violet was the first to see us.

"Oh, hey," she said, then she noticed my tear stained face, "what's wrong?"

Klaus and Sunny looked up. Klaus stood and looked concerned.

"Some girls pushed her down the stairs," Melissa said, "Lucky I had been going past the studios and saw it."

"Are you okay, Jane?" Violet asked.

I nodded.

"I'm sorry," Klaus said.

"No," I protested, "don't apologize. You didn't do anything."

"Dasa!" Sunny growled, barring her teeth. She probably meant, "I'll get them!"

"Thanks Sunny," I said, "but I don't think you should. I don't want them to have any reason to target you or your siblings."

"What happened after?" Klaus asked, "Did you tell someone?"

"That weird Alfonso guy saw us," Melissa explained, "Those girls nearly convinced him that I did it. Then Jane played it off as an accident."

Klaus' eyes widened at me.

"Don't give me that look," I muttered, "They would have done something worse to me if I had. Besides, Alfonso would have found a reason to blame Melissa. It's clear he doesn't like you."

Violet sighed. "I can see that Alfonso wouldn't be much help either," Violet agreed, "but you should talk to another teacher."

"No, no, no," I said, "I can't do that. They'll tease me. I've learned enough about mean girls to not tell on them, especially right in front of them."

"Think about it, Jane," Klaus said, "a teacher can put a stop to this before you really get hurt."

"I'll be fine," I said.

They didn't look happy with my decision but they didn't say another word.

The next day I stuck by Klaus for most of the day. It wasn't so bad. At the end of the day, after rehearsal, I hurried off to get ready for the Dance Show. It wasn't a big show. Just a two jazz dances, two ballet dances, and two tap dances. Melissa was working as crew for the show so I just sat near her until it was our turn to dance.

I was mostly relieved when it was over and I couldn't wait to just hang out with Klaus tonight and come up with an excuse for Mr. Lance.

"Good job," Violet said, after the show, "I didn't know you were a good dancer."

"Thanks," I said, "but I'm not that good. Acting is probably my forte."

"And singing," Klaus added, "our Jane wouldn't be the same without that voice."

I giggled.

"Refla?" Sunny shrieked which Klaus told me meant, "Why haven't you sung for us yet?"

"You'll see at the Company show," I said, smiling, "but now its time to watch reruns of Glee."

Klaus half girnned. "Does that mean we have to watch it too?" he asked.

I placed my hands on my hips and nodded. "Of course," I said, dramatically making Klaus chuckle.

Violet and Sunny were smiling too.

"Glee night with Jane," Violet said, "I can't wait."

"There'll be popcorn," I added, "and milkshakes."

"Fula!" Sunny shrieked which probably meant that she preferred caramel popcorn to buttered popcorn which wasn't provided in the popcorn machine.

"Well then, maybe you'll have to settle for another one of your enchiladas," I said.

Sunny flashed me a toothy grin.

We went back to the common room and did as planned. After an episode, Violet and Sunny decided to do something else. I was a little bummed at their attitude towards the show but I was just happy that I got to spend a fun time with them. It made me slightly sad knowing that soon…I wouldn't have that anymore. I tried to remain positive, though.

Klaus stayed with me except we did our usual activities. We were reading in the mini library part of the common room. I was busy reading Pretty Little Liars while Klaus read about American philosophy.

"Jane?" Klaus asked, suddenly.

I looked up at him.

"Yes?"

"Um…" Klaus started, "Are you still thinking about going to the dance?"

"Well, I don't know," I said, "I could still go but you're not going right, so I wouldn't really get to hang out with you. Unless…were you thinking of going?"

"I-I don't know…" Klaus said, his smile fading, "I was wondering if maybe you would…like to-"

"Hey, Janie."

It was Kate and Christina. I narrowed my eyes.

"What do you want?" I said, acidly.

Kate looked gave me a tiny frown. "We just wanted to tell you…"

"That we're sorry," Christina said, "for not being nice to you. It was wrong for us to do that to you."

I glanced at Klaus who was frowning at the girls.

"We really are sorry," Kate said, her eyes glazed with tears, "we didn't realize we made you feel bad."

"So," Christina said, "we want to make it up to you."

"How?" I asked.

"Are you still going to the dance?" Kate asked, grinning.

I shrugged. "I don't know. Connor asked me but I told him I wasn't going."

Christina smiled. "Oh my gosh, Janie!" she cried, "He asked you? Well then you really should come to our room tomorrow before the dance. We can help you get ready. Do you have anything to wear to it?"

I shook my head. "All of my clothes aren't very…nice," I said.

"Oh, right we almost forgot," Kate said, "Well I'm sure we'll find something. So you'll get ready with us tomorrow right?"

I shrugged. "I guess," I said.

"Yay!" Christina said, giving me a quick hug, "Do you want to come and hand out with us?"

I glanced at Klaus.

"Actually," I said, "I can't right now. Klaus and I wanted to do something but maybe later."

"Sure," Kate said, "bye Janie."

They walked into the other room.

"What is it that we were going to do?" Klaus asked, curiously.

"Don't you have another one of those stories that you're supposed to read?" I asked.

"Yes," Klaus said, putting down his book on philosophy and giving me a small smile, "How about 'The Man With No Eyes'?"

"Okay," I agreed. Klaus got the story. Before he started, he frowned at me.

"Are you really going to forgive them like that?" Klaus said, "Especially after what they did."

"Well…" I trailed off, "they did seem nice. I know I shouldn't really trust them but…what harm could getting ready for the dance do?"

Klaus was still frowning. "I'll be careful," I reassured him.

"Are you going with Connor?" Klaus asked.

"I think so," I said, shrugging, "why?"

Klaus shrugged. "I was just curious." he sighed, then, and began to read.

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