p3n-stroke: i see you're popular with the readers....
Juanita: o.o?
Alyse: i'm not one for the camera....
Juanita: =__= *stressmark*
P3n-stroke: MOVING ON!

Juanita punted a paper ball at Justin, who was setting up a disc-jockey turn table on a stage. He glared down at her. "Hurry up! I don't know when Jim's gonna be done."

"Whatever, red. I'm working as fast and safely as possible."

"Right, saggy-pants. I'll just wait until you're done. It's tonight, after all."

"Yeah, yeah.... hey! Wait! How many times do I have to tell you?! My name is Justin! Not 'saggy-pants', red!"

"Whatever, saggy-pants. Just get your butt in gear or I'll kick it into gear for you."

Justin glared again and continued working.

Juanita started walking out.

"You're an old lady with sucky fashion sense and stupid taste in friends!"

She grabbed the metal trash bin that looked about fifty pounds and threw it right at Justin, who was too shocked to move. It barely missed him, whizzing passed and denting slightly on the wall behind him. "What was that? I didn't quite hear you. Sorry."

"Nothing. I was mumbling something to myself."

---Jim---

He smiled at Alyse. She was doing some balance tests to make sure she was fit to be on her own. Jim had agreed to keep an eye on her, since Jesse had taken a liking to some of the classes at the academy and Juanita was off doing something else.

Alyse kept gawking at Jim.

"Alright, Alyse. It looks like you can do some things by yourself, however, you won't be able to run or walk on curbs for a while." Miss Fontain smiled. "But I do see you trying hard, so, just be safe." She handed Alyse over to Jim before she had to rush off to take a look at someone else, who seemed to be having a fever.

Alyse stared up at Jim. She was shorter than him, by much more than Jim had expected. "Now what?" she asked.

"Well, I guess we'll find your sister, mate."

"No need." Juanita was walking towards them. "You're free?"

"Freedom!" Alyse yelled and smiled. She put her arms out and Juanita gave her a quick hug before looking at Jim.

"You free?"

"When?"

"Tonight. I have a surprise for you."

Jim shrugged. "I've got nothing big to do." He suddenly looked at her curiously. "Why?"

Juanita shrugged. "Here. When you get the chance, read this. Preferably today."

Alyse watched Jim and then grabbed Juanita's sleeve. "I want to eat ice cream. Do they have any in the Obelisk dormitory?"

"Vi benedica! Come cavolo si può pensare di alimentare così facilmente?!"

Alyse smiled at Juanita. "watashi wa amai mono ga ari masu."

"If you say so." Juanita gave Jim a nod before leaving.

Jim looked down and noticed it was an invitation to the gym, where there was a surprise for him. He glanced at the time and decided that gave him enough time to take a nap. He sighed and looked at the back of the paper. Whatever there was, it was all on the front page. It was kind of mysterious and Jim decided he was going.

Just to see what it was....

---Alyse---

She was standing behind Jesse as he sat on the cliff behind Slifer dorms. He knew she was standing there.

"What're you tryin' ta say, exactly?" Jesse asked, looking back at her.

Alyse smiled and her hands clasped behind her and she skipped forward a step. "It's a party for Jim. Wanna come?"

"No." Jesse looked back across the ocean.

"Aw! Why not?"

"Because I'm not a party person," Jesse said, kindly.

"Well, can I stay with you, then?"

Jesse didn't turn around. There was a long pause as the waves shattered along the wall of dirt. Alyse was about to turn to leave, when Jesse spoke up. "Fine, I'll see if I can make it to yer party thingy. I'm not gonna guarantee anything, though." Jesse kept his face turned towards the ocean.

Alyse smiled and hopped off.

Jesse's words made her feel better.

'That wasn't so bad. Maybe I can get him to come along for the whole night!'