"Kahuna, we need a ride back to the hotel like now!" Fin said, her voice loud.

"No problemo Waheenies," He said. "Meet me out front."

We walked to the front door, watching out for Blair. She was out the front, tapping her foot. We snuck past her around the side and Kahuna opened the doors to let us on the bus.

"Don't you have anything faster?" Fin demanded.

"Blair is going to grab a taxi and beat us back," Emma cried.

"Yeah, not going to happen. There's only one taxi in town and you're looking at the driver. That girl isn't going anywhere till the movie's out," Kahuna said. We boarded the bloody bus. Then I started to panic a bit. I can't lose my job! I can't get fired! And couldn't this bus go any faster? I took deep calming breaths. I could do this. I wouldn't get fired because I'm smart, my friends are smart, and we'll get the dresses back into her closet before she gets back. We can do this.

The hotel lights were up ahead and I let out another breath. Kahuna stopped and let us out.

"Thanks Kahuna!" We called simultaneously.

"Good luck Waheenies," He said and started to drive off but not before I heard him say "You're going to need it." Even the Kahuna thought we were in deep doodoo. Great.

"Okay, start up the laundry, I'll grab a change of clothes from the staff house," I said.

"Hurry," Emma called. "We only have an hour."

We took off running and I was glad that the dress wasn't tight or restricting. I stayed away from branches that could tear and rip the fragile material. I breathed deeply and let my stride become longer. I ran; air burning it's way to my lungs. Luckily the staff house wasn't far away, so I wasn't out of breath really badly nor would I sweat a lot and ruin the material that way too. The dorm became visible up ahead and I put on another burst of speed. I ran up the stairs, taking two at a time and very nearly kicked our bedroom door down. I rummaged through our lockers and grabbed the appropriate clothing, throwing it into the garbage bag still sitting on Fin's bed from before.

As I ran back down the stair I nearly toppled over Ripper. "Sheila, what ar-"

"Can't talk; running. See ya Ripper," I called, darting back down the stairs and charging down to the laundry room. They were undressed and waiting for my dress to start the machine. I dumped the bag and stripped of my dress, throwing it into the machine and pressing start. We changed into our normal everyday attire and I took the opportunity to fill them in on my kitten adoption.

"So, are any of you allergic to cats?" I asked.

"No," Fin said.

"Nope," Lo agreed

"A kitten would be awesome!" Emma cried.

I grinned, "Good."

The washing machine beeped and we put the clothing in the dryer. I looked at my watch; 20 minutes. We could make it.

"Fin," I said, taking charge. "You need to get the keys to the rooms so we can get in. Lo, go with her."

"Why me?" Lo asked.

"Because, if you get caught, you can say you wanted to go to the penthouse and talk to your dad, but he took the key off you. We'll meet you there when this is done."

"Good idea," She said. I smiled at her. They took off for the lobby. I glanced back at my watch; 17 minutes. I breathed deeply.

"You seem used to taking charge," Emma said, sitting down on the bench. I sat next to her and stared intently at the dryer, as if my gaze could force it to dry faster.

"Not really," I laughed, but it came out sounding wrong. "It just came out."

She nodded. "Don't worry. We'll make it," Emma soothed.

I looked at her surprised, "Wh-"

"You only do that when you're nervous," she gestured to my hands. Or more specifically my fingers. I didn't even realise I was playing with them; twisting them around one another until she pointed it out. I automatically stilled them and took another deep breath and laughed.

The dryer finished and we grabbed the dresses, running back to the resort. It didn't take us long in these clothes; they were way more comfortable. I glanced down at my watch and grimaced. 5 minutes to go. Oh, no, my watch was slow. We came running up to the front doors to the resort just as the bus slowed down at the door. I think my heart stopped. But then the bus kept going and I started to breathe again. We met Lo and Fin in the lobby and we ran to the elevator. I jabbed the button with my finger viciously.

"Any trouble?" I asked them as the elevator closed.

"Nope. I didn't even need to go," Lo said.

"Good."

The elevator door opened and we raced along the carpeted hallway. We turned the corner and I saw Blair's room ahead.

"Hurry, hurry," Emma called behind me.

Fin slammed the key into the door and we ran in, fumbling to hang the dresses up. We closed the closet door just as we hear the room lock click. She was opening the door! And we were trapped!

"Come on," Fin hissed quietly. She led us out to the balcony and we closed the sliding door just as the front door opened. We started to climb over the railing and dropped to the ground, glad that Blair had a room on the second story. My feet collided with the ground and I spread the impact throughout my feet so it wasn't concentrated in one area.

The sliding door opened and we ran off, back to the dorm with Lo shouting "Go go go!"

"We are never doing that again," I gasped as we slowed to a walk. The dorm was just up ahead.

"Agreed," Fin laughed.

I breathed the fresh night air in deeply as I fought to catch my breath. I hadn't done anything physically demanding like that in years, so I was a bit out of shape. The cool air helped me think though and with sudden clarity, I realised tomorrow was the weekend. I didn't need to worry about shifts. Weight fell off my shoulders with that knowledge. We trudged up the porch steps and collapsed on the sofas. I leaned on the back of the soft chair and sighed. Lo plunked her head on my legs and sighed as well. I glanced at my watch; 10 o'clock! Wow, time really did fly when you were trying not to get fired.

Lo groaned and got up, walking for the stairs, "I'm going to bed," she called over her shoulder.

"Good idea," Emma said, following her up.

Fin and I looked at each other and shrugged identical shrugs before following them up. Before I walked into my room though, I paused and thought now would be my only time to see if anyone had any cat allergies.

"I'll be back in a second," I told Fin who nodded. I walked from room to room; surprisingly there weren't many people staying here. Obviously other people had nice places to live or the lived nearby or something.

I knocked on Ripper and Lances door.

"Come in," Ripper called. I love his accent, it's so cool.

I stuck my head in the room, "Hi, sorry to bother you so late but I was wondering if any of you were allergic to cats?"

Ripper looked taken aback; "What kind of question is that?"

"One that needs an answer," I said politely.

Ripper shrugged, "We're not allergic, sheila."

"Oh, good. And uh, how would you feel if, say a kitten, lived in this dorm with us?"

I gauged their reactions, they seemed unaffected, "As long as it didn't ruin my stuff, I don't care."

"Good," I went to leave but Ripper called out.

"Why?"

"Uh, it's kind of a long story, but I have found myself adopting a kitten."

"Uh…" he said. "Okay."

I sighed with relief. "Night boys."

Then I turned around and winced. Kelly's room next. Light spilled from the crack under the door and I knocked three times. It seemed ominous.

"What?" Kelly snapped, flinging the door open.

"Uh, sorry to bother you Kelly, but I was wondering if you're allergic to cats?" I asked timidly. Please say no, please say no.

She glared at me, "And why would you want to know that, Grom?" wow, she was in a bad mood.

"Um, well, there's this kitten that needs a home, and I volunteered for it."

She raised an eyebrow at me, "You volunteered for it."

"Yes, other wise it would be put down." She seemed to soften for a moment, and she looked so un-Kelly-like.

"No I'm not allergic to cats, now will you leave me alone?" Annddd, she was back.

"Thanks Kelly!" I turned and went back to my room, getting changed into my pyjamas. I couldn't keep the triumphant smile off my face. Tomorrow I was getting a kitten!

And then I remembered that Ty was taking me there. We would be all alone, just the two off us. No chance of anyone interrupting, no one else for our attention to focus on. A nervous flutter went through my stomach at the thought. Then I laughed at myself; I was being an idiot. It was just Ty. We'd spent plenty of time together alone and he knew heaps about me. This wasn't a big deal.

I still couldn't get the happy smile off my face as I lay down and fell asleep.

0:o:0:o:0:o:0:o:0:o:0:o:0:o:0

The alarm clock didn't go off this morning so I was woken by the sun shining on my face. Not directly, but it was so bright in our room, it may as well have been. I groaned and shoved my head under my pillow. Then my eyes widened and I looked at my watch.

7:30.

Shit.

I had only half an hour to get ready and be at the car park. I threw the covers back and swung my locker door open, searching for my clothing and still trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes. The others stirred.

"What'r'ya'doin'?" Fin slurred, sitting up, her hair mussed from how she slept.

"Sorry, go back to sleep," I whispered. She collapsed back on the bed and lay there.

"No chance of that now," Lo grumbled, pulling the sheets over her head.

"Sorry," I winced.

"Don't listen to her, she's always grumpy in the morning," Emma sighed. She sat up and looked at me running around the room looking for my brush. "It's on the floor next to the small bookcase," She told me. I spun around and spotted it.

"Thanks."

"No problem. What are you doing?" She asked me.

"I have to go meet Ty so we can get to Churchill so I can adopt that kitten," I said, wincing as I pulled the brush through my knotted hair.

There was a pause then; "You never said Ty was taking you," Fin said.

"Didn't i?" I frowned. I could have sworn…oops.

"No, you didn't," Lo grumbled sitting up.

"Oh, sorry. He offered last night," I explained.

"That's so nice of him. I didn't even know you guys were friends," Emma said.

"Oh, yeah, they're good friends," Fin said. If sleep wasn't so thick in her voice, I would have thought she was mocking me.

"Oh. How long have you guys known each other?" Emma asked.

"Including today?" I asked. She nodded. "Five days."

Realisation became apparent on her face, "Oh. That's really nice of him."

"Yep," I said, throwing my wallet, ID, a towel and my phone into my sling-bag. Then I glanced around the room to make sure I grabbed everything I would need. "Okay, I'll see you guys later," I waved as I walked out the door.

"Have fun," Emma called. "I can't wait to see this cat."

"Kitten," Fin corrected.

"Yeah, have fun with my brother," Lo said in distaste, as if the idea of anyone having fun with Ty was repulsive or unheard of.

"Bye," I called. I went down stairs and grabbed an apple, starting for the car park. As I walked outside, I could hear the ocean and I felt a little sad that I wouldn't get to surf this beautiful morning. The walk to the car park was short and Ty was already there, leaning against his Black Ford Escape Hybrid. I smiled at him and he waved.

"Hey," I said, as he opened the car door for me and helped me climb into it. Such a gentleman.

He walked around and got in his side, "Hey."

"Thanks for this."

"No problem," he said. He reversed and drove to town so he could get on the highway.

"So…I have to say, I thought you'd have a different car to this," I said, looking around at the car's interior.

"Really? And what car did you think I'd have?"

"I don't know," I shrugged. "At the very least an Ashton Martin Vanquish. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting a Ford Escape."

He laughed, "I'm not really into cars. I only know the expensive ones."

"Oh," I said. "Well, I only know the Ashton Martin Vanquish because I fell in love with it when it featured in James Bond's Die Another Day."

"James Bond fan, huh?" he asked.

I shook my head, "Not a fan really, I've just seen the movies. They're cool. But I love that car."

"Are you going to buy one when you're older?"

"No," I snorted. "That's way too much money for a car. All I need is something to get me from A to B. it's nice that the world isn't full of guys who adore cars though," I grinned at him. Then my eyes widened, "Do you know how to change a tyre?"

"Yep," he stated.

"Okay, good, so if a tyre pops, we're all set." I settled back in the seat. "I'm so excited."

He laughed, "Well, you are getting a cat."

"Mm-hmm, which reminds me, are we on a strict timetable?"

He frowned and shook his head, "I don't think so. I told my dad I would be gone part of the day, but I would have my phone if he needed me."

"So there's nothing you needed to be back in time for, or anything?" he shook his head. "Okay, well would you mind if we stopped at the mall before going to the pound so I can get kitty litter and food and stuff for him?"

"Sure."

"Thanks." Trees flashed by outside and surprisingly, I felt safe in the car with Ty driving. A speed sign flashed as we went, letting me know it was a hundred zone. I glanced at the speedometer and saw he was going 90. "It's a hundred along here," I told him.

"Thanks," he sped up.

There was a pause in conversation, and I didn't know what to do. I glanced at him and saw his hand gripping the wheel tightly. Was I boring him? Or putting him out? Was I making him uncomfortable?

He cleared his throat, and then said, "If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?"

I stared at him. Talk about random. Sometimes, I wondered what went on in his head. Telepathy would be so cool. "Uh, I don't know."

"Come on, there must be something you really want, more than anything else. Maybe it's something you can't have, or won't even let yourself think about having."

I watched him speak, watched his lips move. Watched him glance at me, then at the road as he spoke. I watched him gesture slightly with his hands. Was there something I really wanted, more than anything else? Yes. And his name is Ty, the thought ran through my mind before I could stop it. I wanted him, yes, but I couldn't have him. He has a girlfriend, Emma likes him, he wouldn't be interested in me, out of all the girls he could have. He was perfect; he was handsome, and kind, and caring, and smart, and had more personality than a kiddie pool, which is more than I could say about some people. He was charming, and sexy and mature and manly. He has an amazing laugh that just makes me melt. He wasn't crazy about cars, or conceited or money-crazy. He was experienced and I wanted to kiss him. Run my hands through his hair; trace my fingers across the soft-looking skin of his lips.

But I wasn't about to tell him that.

"What would you wish for?" I countered, trying to deflect the attention away from me and my rapidly reddening face.

"To successfully film an amazing surf video, to be able to live life to its fullest and to find the woman I can love my whole life," he said simply.

"And how is that going for you?" I asked.

"Eh, some better than others," his grin was sly. "Your turn."

I sighed, thinking. "My wishes have already come true," I said slowly. "I am who I am, I'm where I am, and I'm doing what I am. Life is beautiful, who am I to ask for more?"

He stared at me then looked back at the road, "You are an unusual girl, Nereida."

"No I'm not."

"You are. What would Lo ask for, if she was here?"

I shrugged, "I don't know."

"She would ask for a new Prada bag, a new summer wardrobe, and for dad to let her come back to the penthouse. I love her, but she is superficial sometimes."

I frowned, "I still don't get how I'm unusual. So I didn't ask for anything materialistic, that doesn't mean anything."

"That's just it; you didn't ask for anything."

I was quiet. "Is that a good or a bad thing?" I asked quietly.

"A good thing, definitely. Just different to what I'm used to."

"Oh." I glanced at my watch; still another hour to go. What do you talk about to a boy who made you tingle. It seems when you can't or aren't allowed to talk, there is so much you want to say and discuss, but when you have plenty of free time to let conversation flow, you can't think of a single thing to say. I didn't know what to say, or what to ask him.

I glanced down at my hands, the smooth ivory skin. My fingers were twisting around one another again. Sternly, I told myself to breathe. If it was Lo in the car with me, what would we be talking about?

I glanced in my peripheral at Ty. He probably wasn't interested in the latest fashion, or the quality of our pedicures. What about Fin? Or Emma? I sighed inwardly. I just didn't know what to say; what boys talked about. What I really wanted to know about him was about the kind of girl he liked. I blushed just thinking about asking him that. Then I frowned; but we were friends, right? Friends talked about this kind of thing, right? I could make it seem like I wasn't asking for personal interest, right? Answers; I'm not sure, girls do, I'm not sure.

I should just find out. Ask directly. "We're friends right?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, of course. Why?"

"Just making sure we were on the same page. I'm trying to think of a question but I can only think of a million personal questions that would probably embarrass you." Or me.

"Take your best shot, I don't embarrass easily," he grinned confidently.

A slow smirk formed on my lips, "I take that as a challenge."

"Bring it on," he said.

I pulled out my phone, "My phone has this app that provides you with embarrassing questions. Are you sure you want to take on my phone? It could get pretty embarrassing," I warned, remembering when my friend from London had versed me, using the app to ask embarrassing after embarrassing questions. I had failed; blushing and stammering all the way.

"I'm not scared," he grinned. And he looked it. He was relaxed and calm, showing no signs of embarrassment or nervousness.

"You should be."

"If I win, you have to tell me one thing you've never told anyone before," he looked at me, waiting for an answer.

"Okay, but you have to answer twenty-five questions; otherwise you forfeit. And you have to tell the absolute truth. Wait, what do I get if I win?"

"Isn't asking twenty-five 'supposedly' embarrassing questions enough?"

I pretended to debate that. "I suppose so. You're on."

"You're on." He repeated, smiling at me. It was a gorgeous, melt-able, breath stopping smile. I almost sighed in happiness; I was the one who got to see it, the one who it was directed at.

"Okay," I said, clicking the app and choosing the 'boys' tab. "Question one. Are you a virgin?" I grinned maliciously. He wouldn't answer that. There was no way.

"Yes. Is that the best you've got?" he smirked. My smile disappeared and I blushed. Okay, maybe it wouldn't embarrass him to be so crass, but it would embarrass me. He was a virgin!

"Okay, question two. Boxers, briefs, or commando?" I giggled a little.

"Briefs," he grinned. I focused on keeping my eyes glued to the screen. If I looked at him, I would surely end up picturing him in briefs, and I didn't need that kind of distraction.

"Question three. Have you ever slept naked?"

"Not that I remember."

I smiled at his answer and clicked on the 'NEXT' button on my phone. He was breezing through these so easily, it was amazing.

"Do you sing while you bathe?" I felt my head cock to the side as I watched him, waiting for an answer.

He pursed his lips before grinning ruefully, "Sometimes."

My lips pulled up into a surprised smile, "Really?"

"Yeah," he half-chuckled. "It surprises me too."

Another click on my phone brought the next question up. "Do you think it's okay to lie?"

"Sometimes, depends on the situation, I suppose."

"If you were gay, who would you want to have a passionate affair with?" I felt a giggle rise in my throat. I couldn't imagine Ty being gay.

"Seriously?" he looked at me, and he also looked like he wasn't comfortable answering that. I felt a triumphant smile grace my face.

"Well, you don't have to answer that, but it's only the sixth question… you'd be forfeiting," I said nonchalantly, though my victorious smile made it obvious I wasn't crushed that he wouldn't answer that question.

"No, no, just give me a second," he held up a finger, signalling for me to wait. He sighed, like he was bringing himself to answer the question out of sheer will-power alone. "Ryan Reynolds."

A very un-lady-like snort burst from my mouth before I could stop it. I slapped a hand over my mouth and looked at him, hoping I hadn't angered him. He didn't have to answer that, but he did. And I laughed. But anger never crossed his face.

"You just snorted," he stated with a crooked smile.

Heat tinged my cheeks ever so slightly. "Yeah. It was an accident. Good choice, by the way." I looked away from him and my eyes landed on my phone. "Question seven. If you were stuck on a deserted Island, which one book, movie and person would you want to take along?"

"Hmm, probably this book I have on filming in conjunction with surfing, ummm… The Godfather, probably. And…you."

My eyebrows rose so high, they were probably hidden in my hair line. "Me?" I squeaked. He would take me? Then I laughed at myself, "Aww, you are such a suck up. Are you trying to soften me up so I'll go easy on you with the questions?" I grinned at him.

For a moment he said nothing. Then, "I don't know, is it working?"

I laughed, "Not even a little."

"Damn," he muttered which was followed by another of my laughs. He paused to think again, "Nah, it's for your conversation skills – it'd get pretty boring with only one movie and one book." I couldn't tell from his smile if he was being snarky or serious. Probably snarky.

"Oh, yeah, because I'm such a conversationalist." My eyes widened, "Are you trying to change the subject from this game? You still have eighteen more questions to answer," I said.

He sighed, "Okay, next."

"Have you ever been to jail?"

"No," he laughed.

"I saw that one coming. Which relationship appeals more to you; a wild passionate one or a quiet calm one?"

"Uhh…Both?" he asked. "Can I say both?"

I shrugged, "I guess so. Next question. Who are you attracted to at this time in your life?" I felt a blush begin to rise. And it wasn't because I wanted him to say me. Nope. No way. Definitely not.

He didn't say anything. A minute passed. Nothing. "Did you hear the question?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah, I heard it." That was all he said. He didn't elaborate. Maybe he was thinking, running through all the possibilities. He didn't seem like the kind of person who would obsess over a girl. Another minute passed and I became frustrated.

"Well?" I asked, in a tone that demanded an answer.

"Pass," he grinned.

I frowned at him, "You can't pass."

"Yes I can."

"No you can't."

"Fine, I forfeit. You win. Congratulations," he grinned. Unaffected in the least by his loss.

The space between my eyebrows was puckered as I scrutinised him. I was too confused to feel victorious; I didn't understand. He glanced at me before nudging me with his elbow.

"What? You won; smile a little," he said, repeatedly nocking me with his elbow until I did. A small laugh that was a cross between exasperation and annoyance escaped my lips and the game was up. I smile and stuck my tongue out at him.

"I won," I stated, though there was no need to. Clearly.

"So, now you can tell me something about yourself that no one knows," he said.

I frowned again, "That wasn't the deal," I pointed out.

"I know."

"What makes you think I want to tell you?"

He shrugged, "You don't have to, but I'd like it if you would."

I sighed. It was so annoying when people did that; giving you a way out of something while politely saying you would be disappointed if you took that way out.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Fine." I thought about it for a second. What does no one else know about me? Then it came to me and I couldn't believe I didn't think of it right away. It wasn't the kind of thing you forgot. "I have a tattoo."

His eyebrows shot up and his face conveyed complete shock. It was kind of funny. "Really?" he asked, surprise even colouring his tone.

"Don't look so surprised," I told him.

"It's just – I can't believe – a tattoo?" he asked incredulously. "Where is it?"

"Guess," I told him. Fire travelled down my body where his eyes travelled as he searched me for tell-tale marks. As if he'd find any.

"Shoulder?"

"Nope. If it was on my shoulder, more people would have seen it, thus making it known to others, "I pointed out.

"Right," his eyes scrutinised me as he tried to figure out where it could be, where on my body it was. I wear singlets, thin straps, bikinis. All fairly revealing clothing. Red coloured his cheeks as he became aware of the only places he hadn't seen of me. He cleared his throat, uncomfortable. I laughed and took pity on him. I reached up and swept my hair off my neck, while simulanteously turning so he could see the back of it.

"It's on my hair line," I said, pointing to what I knew was a black tattoo about the size of a bottle cap situated right in the middle of the back of my neck.

"What is it?" he asked. I dropped my hair and turned to face the front. It probably wasn't safe for him to be looking at me while driving the car.

"I got it in Spain, it's called La espiral de la vida. The spiral of life," I told him.

"How has no one seen it?" he asked, confused.

"Well, you hadn't, so it's not so surprising," I pointed out. Again. "My hair is always down, covering my neck. I hardly ever pull it up. Though lately, I have been putting it up more often. It will probably become public knowledge soon enough."

He shook his head, "You are full of surprises."

"I take that as a compliment," I said, leaning back in the chair and relaxing. Trees flashed by outside and I checked my watch. Not too long now and I would be getting a kitty. Excitement rose inside me and I grinned.

Ty looked over at me and when he saw my grin, he grinned too. He really does have a beautiful smile. I couldn't help hoping he was smiling for me.


Okay, so what did you think? Sorry it took so long.

I know, i cut it off at weird times.

Reviews = LOVE. So if you review, i'll have to love you.

Anyway, thanks for reading.