Disclaimer: I do not own the Bloodlines world or characters.

"Come in," Ms. Terwilliger calls out to us. Sydney opens her classroom door.

If you didn't know, you would never think she was more than a history teacher. There were history books on the shelves and a mug full of used pens and pencils she'd probably found on the floor and put there for kids to use. There were papers all over her desk, but she was working on a particular stack it seemed.

"Evie wanted to ask you about something," Sydney says. Ms. Terwilliger is already looking up at us, but she puts her green pen aside then.

"Of course."

"Do you know anything about my mom? Like, anything that would be helpful."

"What would be helpful?"

"I don't really know. I want to know if I'm really a moroi while I'm here, because it doesn't seem like it. And I want to know how I get here. And I want to know why everyone always thinks I belong here. And I don't know-"

She laughs, cutting me off. "So, anything would be helpful is what you're saying."

I nod.

"She didn't tell me much. She was confused about the same types of things. She didn't really know. Can't you ask her when you get home?"

I know I stiffened at that, so I try to loosen up a bit. "We aren't allowed to talk. She used to send me letters, but those aren't allowed anymore either."

"Any idea why?"

"She said it was because it was too dangerous."

Ms. Terwilliger frowns. "Well, I suppose we could try and figure these things out on our own."

"Would you help me?" I ask. It comes out more eager then I intend it to.

"Of course." She smiles again, "Why not?"

Even though I'm early, I still run. Nothing is going to keep me from being on time today. I am not going to get distracted.

And then I smack right into Angeline.

"Oh my god, sorry!" I exclaim, stumbling back to my feet. God, how fast was I running that I knocked over a dhampir?

Angeline stood quickly, her eyes wide and wild. "What's wrong?"

"What? Nothing."

"Why are you running?"

I laugh. "Oh. Going to have a study session with Zoe."

Angeline wrinkles her nose. "Oh. You want me to come and lessen the blows?"

I imagine Angeline sitting with us, and almost laugh again. I'm not sure Angeline could sit still that long. And I'm not sure I could help Zoe when Angeline was so unapproachable She's nice. She cares. But that doesn't make her approachable

"No. That's fine. I've got to get going though."

"Aren't you guys meeting at three? It's only two and the library's ten minute's away."

"I figured I'd get delayed. I tend to be late for things."

Or miss them entirely.

"Ah. Want me to walk with you?"

I shake my head. "No, it's fine. Really. Where are you going?"

"To find Jill. She's with Eddie, but I haven't seen her. But you're a moroi too you know." She smiles at me. I try to smile back.

"You can go find Jill. Honestly, I'm fine."

"It's ten minutes. And you don't seem worried about Jill, so I'm thinking nothing bad happens anyway."

"True." No life endangering stuff happens until the end.

"Okay then. I'm walking you there."

We start toward the library. It's awkward at first, but Angeline was one for silence.

"So, can I ask you something?"

"Uh, sure."

"Do Trey and I end up dating?"

I think about how to answer this. They aren't on bad terms at the end of the book, and I figure they will end up together. Trey's a good guy. He's not an idiot.

"If you stay on plot, I think so."

"Why do you 'think so'. Why don't you know?"

"Because you actually aren't dating at the end of the book. But, you're on good terms and, anyway, I know you. And I know him. You two care about each other, and Trey isn't an idiot. Don't give up on it."

She didn't look satisfied, but she nodded anyway.

"So, what's up with you buddying up with Zoe anyway?"

"I need to change something, and this is the only way." Well, the best way.

"Does she know? About the book stuff?"

"No."

We were getting close to the door of the library now.

"Why not?"

"Because that wouldn't help at all."

If she knew about this, she wouldn't accept it. She would trust me even less then she already does and probably report this to the alchemists to figure out, and-

The alchemists.

The alchemists know all about things they never tell anyone. Maybe they know about people like me.

"Why not?" Angeline says.

"It would make the end worse. And that's pretty hard to do."

"Why can't you tell us what it is?"

"Because you're not supposed to know the reason yet."

I push open the library door. "See you later."

Angeline says nothing.

Since I'd gotten there first, I tiptoe to a table about halfway through the library. It isn't all the way in the back, but I wanted to start inching there, and I didn't have all that much time.

Zoe comes in at exactly two fifty-nine. I wave her over to me with a half smile on my face. Careful not to show any teeth. She glances at the front table we'd sat at last time, but walks to me anyway and sets her book on the table. "Why are we sitting here?"

"Because the librarian was eves dropping the entire time last session."

She starts to sit across from me, but I quickly stop her with, "Wouldn't it be easier if we sat next to each other. So we can both see the papers?"

"Oh. Yeah."

She slides her book across the table and sits in the seat next to me, but she still sits with her knees pressed close against the leg of the table, as far away as she can be.

"Let's get started then."

...

We had finished the work. It was only four. She was rushing to gather her things, but I wanted to see how much trust she could give. I didn't want to push it too far, that would just be stupid, but maybe I could just try one more thing.

"I've got another book cover," I say.

She looks up at me, confused. "What?"

"You're book cover. It's coming apart. I've got an extra in my room. Do you want it?"

It's true. The paper bag she'd used to cover her book was already in shambles. She hesitates, but nods. "Sure. Maybe I can come pick it up tonight."

"Sorry, I missed a few nights of talking to Jenna already, and I'm pretty sure she's going to shun me if I miss another one." Which is also true. But I'm pretty sure I'm actually looking forward to that.

"So when should I get it?"

I shrug. "How about now?"

She looks uncomfortable, but nods again. "I guess."

I smile. "Great. C'mon then."

While we're walking, I pull out my phone and text Sydney: coming back 2 room. Bringing Zoe w/ me.

Sydney texts back: Not there right now. That ok?

Better. I text her: Ya. Anything embarrassing out?

Her phone could be tracked. When I said 'anything embarrassing' I meant 'anything magical'.

Sydney: No. Should b fine.

"Who are you texting?" Zoe finally asks, almost to the dorm.

"Jenna."

"She seems nice."

"She is."

I hold the door for her. I do that for everyone. Always have.

"Thanks."

We go upstairs and get to the room I share with Sydney in silence. It takes a second for me to unlock the door, and Zoe's nervousness is practically palpable. When I hold the door again, I don't close it after she's in. If I can make this a more comfortable experience, I will.

I go to my desk drawers. I know I saw an extra book cover around here somewhere.

"Where's Sydney?"

"I don't know." There wasn't much talk in the book about weekends. All we know is that she reads and makes graphs about birth control pills. And I don't know when that's supposed to happen. Probably when I'm not here.

I don't find the cover in the drawer, so I go to the closet. There's a few shelves in here where things are stacked.

There it is. I can see it on the top shelf.

And, I realize, Zoe's small enough she won't see it right away.

I decide to look through the bottom shelves to make the moment last longer.

"Was she here when you left?"

"Yeah."

"Huh. I'm going to text her."

Zoe pulls out her phone. I pull out mine when she isn't looking and text Sydney: I didn't tell Zoe I texted you yet.

It wasn't an inconspicuous text, but I'm not sure what else I'm supposed to do. I shove the phone back in my pocket and keep 'searching'.

"Did you sign up for any activities?" I ask.

"Sewing, like you mentioned. I'm going to my first class this week. It's the same one Jill's in."

"Oh, good. She can give you pointers."

Zoe smiles just a little.

I decide to end at a positive note and pretend to find the cover. "Oh! Found it. Here you go." I slide it off the top shelf and hand it to her.

"Thanks," she says again and goes quickly to the door.

"See you later?"

She nods and hurries off.

Sorry this took a while to upload. These slower parts are annoying to write honestly. There will probably be a bit of a time leap soon and we'll get to some better stuff. Just hang in till the end! I've got it all planned out :D