Quick update, right? Well, this is the chapter that has been ready for ages, so think of this as the red-carpet premiere! It is shorter, but I believe it says everything. Length doesn't always equal quality. :) It'll be extremely hard to say goodbye to this story, but all good things come to an end.

Here's to my readers: You breathed life into this story, and gave it a voice. Thanks a million!

With much admiration,

-Spark Writer-

Skye ran blindly down the corridor, pushing past startled teenagers and disapproving teachers. She burst out into the parking lot, then gasped when cool raindrops alighted on her face and dress. She splashed through puddles, and collapsed on the curb, her dress growing soggy.

Never had she been so—confused. In truth, Pearson had torn the sleeve of his button-down shirt, so he and Skye had gone to a well-lit classroom to examine the damage. Skye had never intended for anything more to happen, though she suspected Pearson had. But why had Jane and Jeffrey been spying on her. It was humiliating, and there was nothing Skye valued more than her dignity. She didn't feel enraged, but mortified and defeated. And worst of all, she couldn't shake the image of Jeffrey's remorseful expression from her mind. It was times like these that she missed her mother.

She thrust her chin into her palm and gazed numbly at the whirling streams of water at her feet. Rapid footsteps were growing nearer, and she glanced over shoulder to see Jeffrey racing toward her.

"Skye!" He hurtled himself down beside her, and dropped his head into his hands. "I am so sorry." His voice was muffled, but Skye heard. "I never should have done something like that. Not after you've been so good to me. Skye, you helped find my father!" He raised his head and stared sadly at her.

"Why?" asked Skye. "Why were you listening to our conversation?"

"I have…feelings for you, Skye. More-than-friendship feelings." His reddening cheeks were only just visible in the moonlight. " And I was envious of you and Pearson. So, Jane came up with this plan and I stupidly agreed."

Skye raised her chin. "Yeah, well, you ruined what could have been."

Jeffrey didn't reply.

"Can you go now?" Skye bit the inside of her cheek, knowing that tears were seconds away. "I need you to go."

Jeffrey stood up as if to leave, then he did something very strange. He grabbed Skye's hand and hauled her to her feet. "Listen," he commanded.

"Jeffrey, stop!" Skye twisted her hand furiously, attempting to free herself.

"No! Not until you hear what I have to say. Skye, we met because you crashed into me—"

"I beg to differ!"

Jeffrey squeezed her hand. "Wait! We met when we crashed into each other. I almost passed out—and got in huge trouble with Mother. Then you insulted me after Jane brought me to the cottage. But you know what else we've done together? Saved Batty from the bull. Played endless games of soccer. Defended the Penderwick family honor. Had adventures in Boston. Seen moose at sunrise. Found my father. And if that doesn't amount to anything, I don't know what will."

Skye stopped trying to free her hand, and stared at Jeffrey as though seeing him for the very first time. "I don't know how to forgive," she remarked fiercely.

"Skye, you-"

"But I can learn." She took a shuddery breath. "Good grief, I think you're overly polite, painfully nice, and sickeningly patient. But," she added, seeing Jeffrey's hurt expression, "I also think of you as the funniest, bravest, most brilliant person I've ever had the luck of knowing." Skye had to stop just then due to a suspicious lump in her throat. "And you're more than just my friend."

Jeffrey's lips twitched. "I sort of thought so." Something about his amusement made Skye angry.

"What are you implying, Jeffrey Tifton?"

Jeffrey took a step closer to Skye, gazing at her through a haze of raindrops. "Forgive me?"

Skye grinned, and all her Penderwick spunk and spirit seemed to return. "Already done." She winked. "Jeffrey, can I ask you a question?"

"Absolutely."

"Why are you still holding my hand?"

He waggled his eyebrows at her. "Why aren't you letting go?"

Skye smirked.

"Touché."

...Thoughts?

Love you all!