Charlie heard Miguel speaking Spanish to Maria and he got up, stretching his arms. "I better go now, tell Mr. Remora I say hi, will you?" Charlie said to Maria Remora.

"Yes, thank you Charlie Bone." Maria nodded.

Charlie left, aware that Maria and Miguel had no idea what Charlie had up in his sleeves…

In Bloor's…

Antonio ran, not even wanting to lose sight of Elliot. It was tricky, all of the people clutched up in their formal clothing and girls being all weird saying, "Ah! Look at my dress! Isn't it pretty?" or "Look what you've done to my bracelet!"

Antonio kept on going. He ran but he stopped when he saw Jessie. She was clutched fiercely by her mother. Mrs. Johnson was red with anger. Jessie was held by the collar. She was gasping for breath.

"You…you ate…and I haven't fed you breakfast and lunch…where did you get the food?" Mrs. Johnson snarled. To me, it's a stupid thing to be choked for. For Mrs. Leah Johnson, nothing is too stupid to be choked or choking someone.

Jessie was now turning a bit blue. "I-I didn't!" she gasped, making a choking sound.

"Liar!" Mrs. Johnson grabbed Jessie's collar and picked her up with a hand. Jessie seemed so light and so helpless. Antonio was burning with fury.

Then he realized he let Elliot go. "THREE MORE MINUTES!" Manfred roared over the crowd from the stairs. Everyone roared with happiness.

Antonio was about to go off again but he couldn't help but look back at Jessie.

Jessie was on the floor, crying. Mrs. Johnson looked at her with disgust. "Look at yourself! You're not even worth being born!"

Jessie cried even harder. People were now looking their way, looking at Jessie with pity and Mrs. Johnson with a mean look.

"Why are you even hurting her?" a girl, about sixteen, asked snottily.

"None of your business!" Leah snapped.

"Well!" The girl sniffed, looking away.

Jessie took the chance to crawl off before she would get injured even more. Mrs. Johnson looked back and saw her gone.

Jessie was glad there were so many people. She could escape easily but now…where would she go? If she went back that would be risky and dangerous.

"Jessie!"

Jessie looked around with alarm but a look of relief took over.

"Antonio! What are you doing here?"

"Jessie, you're hurt! Look at yourself! And…is that…is that blood?"

Jessie and Antonio looked down at Jessie's arm which looked like it has been cut opened. Blood gushed out and Jessie flinched, clearly she didn't want to be touched. "Here, I'll get you to Cook; she'll know what to do." Antonio helped her limp to Cook's apartment. There's no way I can catch Elliot now. He thought bitterly.

People tried to give them space because they didn't blood ruining their clothes. So it was rather easy.

When they got through to the kitchens, Cook was standing on a table, yelling, "Esther, we need three bowls of flour! Mac, where is that pan of muffins? Julie, no, it will have to go in the trash! Oh hi there!" Cook said cheerfully when Antonio reached her but then she gasped when she saw Jessie, tears still leaking out of her eyes.

"Oh my dear, what ever happened?"

"It's a long story…can we come into your place?"

"Yes, yes of course. Harriet, you take charge!" Cook climbed down from the table and looked around. People were still looking their way so Cook said, "Look! Money!"

It turns out that humans are very idiotic sometimes. Everyone (including the cooks) looked in that way hopefully.

Cook rushed the two into a closet and pulled a small knob at the very back. They went down a small narrow rocky hall to Cook's dwelling.

Jessie moaned softly, renewed tears trickled out. Cook grabbed a huge bag from underneath a table and rummaged through. "What happened?"

"Her mom injured her when she did something wrong." Antonio said guiltily. It was his fault…he had given her food and now she's hurt.

Outside…

Manfred looked around, seeming quite pleased. The dance is about to begin and soon enough the tradition will be saved…or will it?

"What time is it?" asked Dr. Bloor. He was wearing a white suit and was carrying a rose in his pocket.

Manfred checked his watch. "5:29, almost time."

He kept watching his watch, eagerly waiting. Then the watch stopped exactly five seconds before the minute hand went to 30.

"Come on!" Manfred growled at his watch.

"Why could we not go on now? It is time." asked a headmaster beside Manfred, giving him a very annoyed look.

"The watch is special! Once the minute hand goes to the 30, it activates the traditional bells!" Manfred said frantically.

He banged the watch over and over on the table besides him. The headmaster sniffed. "Looks like the special watch is getting the special treatment…"

Then the watch started, looking wearily at Manfred with its huge watch hands.

Then all of the sudden, huge sounds of bells and chimes rang, making everyone's spine tingle and vibrate. People placed their hands over their ears to block the sound out but science went ahead and made sound waves able to pass through solids and squeezed through closed gaps…why science, why???

That was the exact though Charlie had just thought. The bells than stopped and the in a loud clear voice, "The following students will be needed at the prize dance table…Charley Swinn, Lyla, Shayera Callahan, Cystal Field, Nicole Hilker, Sydney Lee, Janel Ponce, Yen Shen, Helissa Eve, Aurora Dawn, and Cheyenne Stephens!"

The loud voice repeated everything again. Charlie felt his heart drop…he wanted a prize…

The students who made their way to the table must be all of the people… So far, to what Charlie saw, was that the other Charley came from England also.

Charley wore a black a short black dress (a little bit above her knees), a strapless dress to mention, neon pink tights, with pumps. Her blonde hair was down to her shoulders and was straight. She seemed very pleased that the mysterious voice picked her to be one of the winners. Who can blame her for being happy? No one could be blaming her…except maybe some but who cares? Surely she didn't.

Lyla was around, oh say… 175 cm (5'9") and she had a reddish auburn hair color, few inches below her shoulder, her green eyes excitedly scanned the prize table. Her dress was a great blue color, like the ocean. It has a halter-like top with a golden metal ring holding the cloth up. Her dress ran down to her ankles with a few ruffles around the edges. She wore a dark blue bangle and some blue high heeled shoes. Charlie had heard her talk and she was from America.

Shayera however has a strange aura to her personality; she seemed so beautiful it was a bit weird that she was actually human. Her outfit was complete with a form fitting bodice with a Greek-like top with the strap on her right side. It was snuggly fitted on until it hit her waist, there; it flowed gracefully in the wind. She wore a silver arm bracelet like the one Goddesses wear in Ancient Greek myths. Charlie thought she had come from Greece but he never really knew…all he knew was that Manfred was eyeing her with a tinge of admiration in his eye. Oh brother! Charlie thought, grinning. Manfred had gotten into himself again…

Then there was a girl that looked thirteen named Chystal. Charlie had no idea what he what think; she has a name Mrs. Tilpin had used to hide her identity. Even so, he had no idea if she was good or evil. She was a very cheery person by the look on her face, it tells it in her eyes, her hazel eyes. Her height you ask? About 5'3"…Her long hair grew to her waist. Her hair was a light brown, quite straight too. She wore a red dress. The straps were like spaghetti straps and the dress went to her ankles. There was a dark pink ribbon tied around her waist and an elegant bow rested in the center of her lower back.

Nicole was 5'6" and has a dark brown hair color with blonde streaks. Her dress was black and white with stripes. There was a black choker on her neck and a neat little diamond was set as her pendant. Her black flats made no sound as she walked to the table, picking things up and then back down to look at another.

Sydney was just three inches shorter than Nicole. She had blonde hair with a bright pink dress with a lime green band at her waist. On her three inch strap at her right shoulder laid a lime green flower. The dress swished around her knees as she laughed at her friend's joke. Her shoes were pumps, dark pink pumps.

Janel looked either Hispanic or Mexican but Charlie was sure she was Mexican. Her light brown hair was tied in a bun with a few curls coming down. She wore a bright red and pink dress with zigzags on it. The colors were beautifully mixed around her torso and they all became separate at the bottom. She wore a shawl that was like Olivia's, but pink. She wore red flats.

Yen was Asian and she wore a stunning robe. It was one of those Vietnamese robes. She wore a white silky pant and a light blue robe with flaps in front and in the back. The flaps' started at the waist while the beautiful thread made pictures of flowers on the front. She was 6'3" and her long black hair was down but a part of it was in a medium sized bum with two blue sticks coming out. Those must be the pins. Yen had blue silky flats…those must feel good to wear.

Helissa, Charlie knew, came from Africa. Her short black hair was combed back and into a curly ponytail. She wore a dark purple dress. Her dress has only one strap and it came to her left. The rest of the torso was a nice fit. The dress came to her knees and her shoes were gleaming purple high heels. She looked to be 5'8" and her brown eyes were wide with amazement.

Aurora came from Russia it seemed. Her dress was white, it was strapless and it sparkled. It came to her ankles and a faux wrap was comfortably around her shoulders and chest. Aurora's blonde hair was down and wavy. She has white flats (flats seems very famous at this dance) with sparkles. 6'2" she looked. Her hazel eyes seemed weary at all of the travel and movements but the lit up when she saw a package of hair care products as one of the prizes. Guess what she picked…

Cheyenne was a very tall girl. Her short brown hair was curled and she wore a yellow dress with spaghetti strap-like straps. The dress, down to her knees, she wore silver high heels and a necklace with a silver heart. Charlie would have to say she was 6'8" or something.

Charlie looked at Olivia with an envious look. "I just figured something out." he said.

Olivia looked at him with a puzzled look. "What is it?"

"The winners are all girls!"

"Really Charlie, you just now noticed? You're so close-minded." Olivia said giggling.

"That's how I am," Charlie replied innocently "oh, and Olivia?" He asked just when the music started.

Olivia and Charlie walked out into the dance floor. Charlie felt like an idiot but everyone else was awkwardly dancing too so why not? Charlie placed his hands on Olivia's waist and her shoulder as Olivia threw both her arms over Charlie's shoulders.

"Yes?" Olivia murmured.

"I have a little surprise for you but it will have to wait." Charlie said, smiling.

He looked around. Lysander and Lauren were slowly swaying back and forth but they do move with their feet a few times.

He looked the other way and saw Tancred and Emma. Emma had laid her head on Tancred's chest, closing her eyes as she followed Tancred's lead. Tancred gave Charlie a quick thumbs-up and returned to his dance.

Charlie smiled and looked around some more. It was getting crowded but then there was a yell and everyone stopped dancing awkwardly as they turned their heads to look in a direction.

Aldric, Alfredo, Tony, Karla, Emily, Anthony, and Mr. Towers were standing in a huddled group.

"No, get away from me!" Karla was yelling as she brought her bag with her. Charlie suspected it was filled with make-up. She was wearing make-up when she got here, same with Emily.

"It's a dance so you dance!" Alfredo said innocently.

"So what, you all go dance, I'm getting something to eat." Karla scowled as she walked off with Emily. Emily glared at the boys as they laughed their heads off.

"Oh shut up you guys, that is so not right. You all should be dancing with some other people! Ugh!" She walked off, grossed out.

Manfred saw Jessie Johnson in the gardens, talking and smiling with another boy. "I thought she was on guard duty." Manfred snarled softly as he made his way.

Then he saw Shayera looking around for a dance partner. This was his big break! Manfred rushed off to the school, looking for a pair of scissors and a whole lot of transparent duct tape…

Jessie was laughing at the interruption. Antonio was grinning. He was happy to know that Jessie was on her feet again. "I'm hungry; do you want some ice cream?"

Jessie nodded eagerly. "I want rocky road please!"

Antonio nodded and set off to the ice cream stand. He saw his mother and father there and said to his mother, "Two rocky roads, mama."

Mrs. Remora nodded and grabbed a spoon to scoop out some ice cream and into bowls. Mr. Remora seized two spoons and dug them into the ice cream, smiling at his son. "Hola miho."

"Hola papi!" Antonio greeted, taking the bowls of sugary goodness. "Hasta Luegos papi!"

Miguel looked slightly confused but he quickly hid it and smiled. "Adios."

Antonio disappeared into the crowd as Miguel thought, I wonder why he needed two…maybe he went to get himself a lady friend!

Jessie was enthusiastic about the sugary goodness and swallowed a chunk of it and shivered. "This is amazing! I wish my mother would give me ice cream. I would like that very much."

Antonio gave Jessie a weary smile. "You just have to hold on three more years…right? You are fifteen…"

"Yeah… What about you?"

"Same as you,"

"Really? Wow…yeah…three more years until I'm free…I hope I make it that long." Jessie joked.

"I'm sure you will, you got past fifteen years, you can do three more." Antonio said, getting a spoonful of ice cream.

Then a boy bumped into them. Luckily, no ice cream was sacrificed.

"Sorry," Billy said, looking down.

"It's okay." Jessie said automatically. Antonio smiled at Billy.

"No problem, at least my ice cream didn't die…then I would be saying, 'Poor ice cream…'"

Billy laughed. "Yeah…well, nice meeting you."

"Yeah, you too little guy." Antonio answered.

Billy dashed off, looking for Dannielle, who was right behind him. She giggled. It was fun spying on someone who was looking for you.

Dannielle peeked around and tried her best not to lose Billy. She went a bit too risky and snuck up right behind him. Billy sighed and turned around, jumping back when he saw a face about an inch away from his.

"Dannielle?" Billy asked in a miraculous voice after he had recovered.

"The very same!" Dannielle replied happily. They hugged and let go. "I missed you! Where's Emma and the others? I've been dying to find them!"

Billy looked around. "I don't know," he admitted "maybe we can go look for them."

They set off on their expedition as Manfred snuck back in with his hair cut. He was looking for Shayera, hoping to ask her out.

Fifteen minutes past and he still couldn't find her. He may never see her face again…Manfred turned, heartbroken but then something caught his eye.

"Shayera!" Manfred blurted out.

The girl looked around at Manfred and smiled. "Er…did I say that outloud?" Manfred asked nervously.

Shayera smiled. "I'm pretty sure you have." Her voice was like a purr. "What is that you have on your face?"

Manfred reached up to his 'sideburns'. The truth was that he cut off his ponytail and used that hair and taped transparent duct tape on it to his face. He was hoping she didn't notice.

"Oh, it's just some gloss I put on my sideburns. You like them?"

Shayera was silent for a moment. "Um…what would you say if I said no?"

Manfred's shoulder's drooped. "I don't know…well uh…will you care to…um…"

"SHAYERA! Oh, there you are! Look, they have egg rolls! Come one! They're on the other side! They have the spicy dip too!" a girl said wearing a black dress as she pulled Shayera towards the egg rolls. Manfred stood there, unable to react. He was so disappointed.

Charlie who was dancing by him said, "Tough luck Man-sir."

"Drop it." Manfred said sourly.

"Drop what?"

"Don't act stupid Bone, you know what I mean."

"You know I can set you up with her. Olivia would help too! But for one condition…"

Manfred turned eagerly. He would do ANYTHING to get a date with Shayera. "What is the condition?"

"You will have to un-expel me." Charlie said promptly.

Manfred froze. He had forgotten that Charlie was expelled. His mind was wondering about the love of his life. "How about I give you a jacket,"

"Nope, me in school or you in heart mayhem. Your pick." Charlie said simply as he and Olivia waltz away.

"Okay, okay, you're back in! Just help me!" Manfred whined.

"Okay, come on Livvy, I can't believe I'm saying this but…Let's help Manfred out!" Charlie said.

An Hour Later…

Manfred was dressed his best suit (a regular black tuxedo) and his hair was combed back and his silly taped sideburns were took off (with disgust) and Charlie made cards he liked to call 'Chick Magnet Cards'. Olivia and Manfred laughed at that idea but Charlie thought it was great. Manfred read some and he had to admit he had some pretty good ideas.

"Okay, spray a bit of cologne over here…great now under his armpits." Charlie directed.

"My armpits?" Manfred said weakly.

"His armpits?" Olivia asked wearily.

"No, his bananas, YES his armpits!" Charlie said. He couldn't coax Olivia to do it so he had to do all the dirty (and smelly) work.

"One last thing to spray but I don't think Olivia or I would like to spray it…" Charlie said, laughing.

"What? Where?" Manfred demanded. He had a bitter feeling it was there…

"Olivia, would you?"

Olivia shrugged. "I have no idea where Charlie."

Charlie showed Olivia the list and she exclaimed, "OH DEAR LORD NO! Charlie, how do you know his um…that part of his body smells? You haven't actually bent down and sniffed it have you?" asked Olivia, laughing until tears ran out.

"NO! OH Olivia, no! Judging by the things he ate, I say yeah! Girls are picky s don't forget that!"

"WHAT?" Manfred demanded.

"Your…uh…your…rear end…" Charlie said softly. He and Olivia paused and then they burst out laughing.

Manfred didn't catch that. "My what now?" He had a very strong feeling it was his…you know…thing. NO, not THE thing, the OTHER thing, that is less gross.

"Your rear!" Olivia shouted. She busted into fits of giggles as Manfred turned red.

"MY REAR DOES NOT SMELL!"

"How do you know that? You haven't sniffed it, have you?" asked Charlie, struggling to not to laugh.

"I just know!" Manfred bellowed. He was now rethinking about the whole 'getting-Charlie-Bone-back-in-to-school' plan. It was stupid of him to agree but his heart burns for Shayera apparently so he had no choice. It was either getting annoyed and getting heartbroken…I would choose getting annoyed, would you?

Then Charlie looked up at the clock at the opposite side and gasped. "Come on! It's like 6:54 or something, COME ON!"

"What's the rush?" asked Manfred, straightening his bow.

"The surprise!"

Manfred's head shot up. "The surprise! How did you know?"

"You were planning that?" Charlie asked amazed. Usually he thought that Manfred was ebil and boring…and ebil…and boring…and ebil…and boring…and ebil…and-oh what the heck!

To make this chapter shorter, Manfred and Charlie rushes outside with Olivia to get their surprise ready.