Chapter Thirty-Five:
Study Hall

"These itch so bad." I had a pencil lodged inside one of the bandages, greedily scratching around the sensitive wound.

"Stop that," Serenity, swatted my hand.

I glared, paying attention to the test before me. I had other things on my mind than Government and Economics.

The bell was a God-send as it loudly blared in my ears, allowing me to scribble the last answer without really thinking over it. Serenity was waiting at the door for me by the time I was done getting it graded.

"A plus," she brushed some hair behind her ear, an air of pride around the intelligent woman. "You?"

"At least a B," I sighed. "You and your intelligence. I'm only tennis-smart."

"B's aren't bad. You could be like Trinity and make straight F's," she chuckled, shoving her books in her locker. "Hmm, a holiday from tennis today."

"What do you plan on doing tonight?" I laughed as I saw the look cross her eyes.

"I'm spending time with Ty. He has a surprise for me," she shrugged. "For all I know it could be a trip to his house."

"That's cool, so I'll get to see you tomorrow and you can gush!" I chucked the rest of my books into my locker and grabbed the ones for the next class.

"That's the thing," she nervously pushed some hair behind her ear again. "I won't be back until the sport's banquet."

I stopped in my tracks, "What?!" My jaw was dropped. "But, you'll miss Aylin's match."

"I've already talked to her. It's alright. Grandpa says I may go, though I'm to be careful and get all my work before I leave."

"Well just don't do anything I wouldn't," I nudged her with a sly wink. "I'll make sure her match is taped and even the end of the tournament meeting." We head towards our next class with slow footsteps. It was Study Hall, so we did not really have anything to do to hurry for.

"Thank you," she replied sincerely with a smile. I could not help but give her a sideways hug, entering the library and taking a place at our normal table on the second floor, hidden behind mounds of bookshelves with a few other tables. The huge windows were right next to us, so plenty of light seeped across our work.

"He give you any idea of where you're going?" I pulled out a report I was just about finished with.

She was working on the rest of the weeks' class and homework, "All he said was to bring my swimsuit." With that she looked up, wide-eyed. "Uh-oh."

"You don't know where it's at?" I stifled a laugh. "Need to borrow one of mine?"

She nodded, her eyes thankful. "Sorry, I suppose I'm not destined to keep up with one of my own. That's the third one this year."

"Don't worry about it, you can borrow whatever you like of mine." I grabbed one of her finished pages, "If you'll let me have the answers to any homework pages." A cheesy grin slithered on my face as she rubbed her eyes.

"Of course Kimmy, you spoiled brat." She shook her head, beaming, and continued her work.

I jumped up, photocopying any homework or pages I deemed worthy of being copied. Taking my seat, a triumphant look was across my face. She could only sigh.

"You love me, don't forget that!" I waved my finger accusingly.

"This, I know," Serenity's dark eyes bored into mine. "I tolerate you only because I respect you."

I playfully stuck my tongue out, "Oh, how sweet the lies must seem." I stretched, patting her on the head. "Hey, I do have a question Serenity."

"Hmm?" She gazed up from her diligent work.

I scratched the back of my head. "Did you ever find out what Ty was doing with Eiji and Syu that day?"

She sighed again, placing her pencil down and rubbing her temples. Apparently the topic bothered her as well, "I don't know, he won't tell. Just smiles this knowing, soft smile every time, almost sad. But he did say that both were amazing guys to be around."

"See, that right there bothers me." I scratched my chin. "Boys are so confusing."

"Oh how many times I've heard a boy say that about girls." She picked her mechanical pencil back up and continued to write, "Funny how often the opposite sex wonders about a guy or girl they're romantically- or wishing to be- involved with."

"You got your dress for the banquet already?" I made chit-chat, finishing up the essay.

"Mhmm," she hummed. "What color is your dress?"

"Ah, ah! Not telling!" I shoved my nose into the air. "That would be cheating."

"Alright, I won't tell either. But I heard you're going with Keigo."

"That's true," I smiled. "He's been a real gentleman about everything. He bought me everything I needed for the banquet, down to the earrings, and refuses to let me pay him back for anything."

She chuckled, "That, and he comes from an insanely rich family that spoils him."

"This is true." Leaning back in the chair, I groaned out, "So bored."

:{On The Line}:

"You sure you packed everything?" Zip went the nearest luggage as I made sure it was sealed tightly.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for the bathing suit." She snatched up one of the two rolling bags, "Escort me?"

"Of course, my love!" I grabbed the handle and began rolling the other one, both of us heading downstairs in the dorms and towards the front of the school. It was night and the street lamps that circled the many buildings of the school were completely lit.

We could see Ty's sleek and pricey car in the darkness with the blonde leaning casually against the side and staring at the stars. He locked a beaming smile on us as he heard the noisy rolling of the bags.

"Bonjour mademoiselles!" He bowed, pulling open the trunk in one fluid motion. He began talking avid French, and we only stared and shook our heads, placing the bags in the back.

"It's going to be lonely having the room to myself," I faked a sniffle. "I'll invite someone over tomorrow night. I think some time to myself might actually be a good idea." I did not like the idea of thinking though; who knows what could possible surface in my head... The memories of this school year were bad enough to give any teenager a complex.

"Just make sure you don't think too much. Play mindless video games." Serenity leaned over to embrace me. We both kissed the other's cheeks, then I moved to Ty.

"Ty?"

"Wee wee?" He bent forward enough to make us at eye level.

I hugged him, getting the favor returned tightly, "Take care of my sister."

"I will Miss Castille," he kissed my forehead. "Be careful around the tennis matches by yourself okay?"

"Will do. Au revoir!" I waved, then turned and left when I saw them start to drive off.

Serenity hung out of a window, "Loves and misses!"

"Hugs and kisses! Loves you back!" I blew a long kiss and then giggled to myself while heading back towards the girls dorm building.

It would get boring over the next few days... at least, I kind of hoped. I knew that things were not going to be as I wished, merely because the last game of the tournament was finally happening. And worst of all...

It was my little sister against one of my best friends.