A/N I really have to thank you all so much for the wonderful reviews, they really made my day, they increased so much I'll try to update again today a chapter as long as I can manage in my short time. I know I made Jack jealous, I'm planning to let he become slowly aware that Sue is special, not only for him, so he should really try to do something to keep her around – I know he doesn't need it, she is already won over, but we don't need to tell him yet, right? So, bear with me if I seem to go slow, but I hope you will be satisfied with the turning of events in the end. Enjoy! And keep reviewing, I love it!

As always, I own nothing.

'Thoughts' – sign – "dialogue"

"Tom, do you mind showing us where we could change, so we can start putting on ice skates as soon as possible?"

Gans tried to diffuse the suddenly palpable tension between the guys, wanting the day to be as pleasant and relaxing as possible.

"Sure, that way is the locker room for the home team and just over there there's the one for the guests. Probably it would be best if the girls went in the guests' one. When you are ready you can come back here to get you ice skating boots."

"Thanks again Tom, see you in a bit."

Bobby didn't need to change, but he couldn't really miss a chance to tease his best friend about the previous reaction to his old school mate bowing and hand kissing.

'Did just everyone see me? Were all they watching me? I don't think I did something so noticeable, but maybe I'm wrong. Well, shouldn't they consider that approach a little harder than necessary? Sue surely doesn't need an overbearing guy, so Tom should just learn his place... Why am I bothering so much about this? I really need to relax, enjoy this day, we're going skating all day, all together, but I certainly hope I get the chance to skate near Sue and finally see what she is able to do on the ice, I can't wait for that..."

Another slap on the shoulder brought Jack out of his reverie.

"Man, snap off. Earth to Jack, are you there? You seem... how could I say... distracted?"

Bobby was grinning, winking toward Myles.

'No, if he manages to involve him too, I'm as good as dead.'

Jack was purposefully giving them his back, hoping that D would come to his rescue.

'We are a team, why do I feel I am more and more on the receiving end of this teasing game? Usually I teamed up with Bobby, since when did he start to bond so much with Harvard? Together they are a scaring thing, I can't bear the brunt of their combined teasing all by myself, D, please, come to the rescue, I'm begging you!'

The calm voice of the team leader resounded in the locker room for the boys.

"Guys, come on! We can't make the girls wait on us or do you need to touch your make up?"

In the meantime Carla was helping Sue with her ice skating outfit, pulling her hair in a high, nice and simple ponytail. Tara and Lucy were amazed with her look.

"Wow, girl! You are ready to kill! Do you really think they will be alright after they see you in this... way? I know that someone could have some problems with his heart. I just hope we won't need to run to the hospital!"

"Lucy, stop it! Me no want see you say. I'm not looking at you anymore, so you can stop blabbering this foolishness."

Carla put a hand on her daughter's shoulder to attract her attention.

"I need to have a word with Tom; will you wait for me in here? This is a part of my surprise; will you be a little more patient? Please, bear with me, you will make me so happy, you just have no idea, Sue!"

Sue nodded and moved to retrieve her new ice skating boots, knowing she had to flex their folders a few times before wearing them.

Tara was next to speechless admiring the figure Sue was able to cut in her simple attire. She looked both younger and thinner than with her usual working clothes. With that ponytail she also gained an air of innocence that only enhanced the charm of her friend. She had almost no makeup on, so it was truly her beauty shining out.

'Why does Lucy have to tease me like that? She knows I'm embarrassed with all this talking about my appearance; I'm not that proud or self-confident with my look, therefore why making a big deal about it? I really need to focus on this day, on making mum happy with her surprise, remembering all that I used to be able to do, enjoying it myself, and helping the others out on the ice. That should be enough to keep my mind busy.'

Lucy was smiling watching Sue fidgeting and working on her ice skating boots.

'That girl has really no idea of her beauty. She has at least two men 'fighting' to gain her attention and she is worried about looking too bad. She is crazy; she must be crazy; if I had her figure, I would not be embarrassed of flaunting it in front of every and anybody. She is so beautiful. And I can't wait to see her actually skating. I remember that time when Levi was shot that she looked like flying over the ground; and her smile... so beautiful. Someone is surely in for a big show, and I'm not thinking about Carla, that's for sure!'

Mr. Thomas was patiently waiting with Levi in the sitting area near the edge of the ice rink on the home team side. Carla had reached him to retrieve a CD and at the moment was talking with Tom. He could see the loudspeakers positioned in the corners of the ice rink face down, the best way for Sue to feel the vibrations of the music.

All the guys were coming out of the home team locker room and started trying their skates; a few minutes later Lucy and Tara were approaching the area where they could get their pair of ice skates, too. Sue had yet to come out.