AN: Hey everyone! Thanks for your reviews and comments. For the person who said I should put AU in my title. It's in my summary. I'm well aware of the age difference between Vaughn and Sydney. Anyways, I know you guys want Sydney and Vaughn to meet again already and find out what in the world happen in high school, but it's not happening in this chapter. *Ducks flying objects* So sorry! I've pretty much gotten a whole plan set up for the beginning chapters of this story and I do have a reason for making you wait and it's not because I'm mean or anything. I'll give you a little hint though. What happened in high school has to do with a kiss and someone leaving. I think you'll enjoy this chapter though. It has a very nice flashback. :D Please read and REVIEW!!!!!!!

Special Thanks to Michelle for proofreading it for me!

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Chapter 3

Vaughn's POV

Sydney Bristow

Vaughn couldn't believe it. He kept telling himself it wasn't happening and staring at the paper as if her name would disappear from it. Snapping himself out of his trance, Vaughn went back into Devlin's office to talk to him.

"Sir?" Devlin looked up at Vaughn with a questioning look.

"Is there something I can do for you, Agent Vaughn?"

"Actually, Sir, there is. You can have someone else be Sydney Bristow's handler."

Devlin opened a file and started looking through it. He didn't seem at all surprised by Vaughn's request. "And why would I do that?"

"Syd-, Agent Bristow and I have...issues. We knew each other in high school and aren't on the best of terms anymore."

Devlin nodded his head. "Yes, I'm well aware of all that, but Agent Bristow's father has requested that you be put on as her handler. I owed him a favor so I agreed."

"Agent Bristow's father? as in Jack Bristow?" Vaughn was shocked by this new set of news. He couldn't understand why Sydney's father would request Vaughn to be Sydney's handler.

"Yes. He thought that since Sydney had been through a lot, it would be better to have someone she trusted as her handler. I'm only giving it a try though. If something bad were to happen because your assignment, you will be removed as her handler."

Vaughn knew there was no convincing Devlin to change his mind now. Everything was set in stone for now. After saying goodbye to Devlin, Vaughn made his way out to the car. There was no way he would get any work done today anyways. Too much stuff was being crammed into his head all at once.

Vaughn got into his car and drove through the streets of LA. As he stopped at a red light, Vaughn looked over to his right and noticed a dress shop that had a sign indicating Prom Dresses for Sale.

****** Flashback ******

Everyone was having a lot of fun. The decorations were great, and the food was just as good. Almost everything was perfect. There was one thing missing from his Prom experience though. Sydney Bristow.

She was there of course. In fact, she was sitting across from him right now listening to the chaperones announce the Prom court. The problem was she wasn't his date. Michael sighed. It was his fault though. His fault for waiting so long to realize his feelings for Sydney.

He had been scared too. Scared that their friendship would never be the same. Scared she wouldn't return his feelings. It was too late now.

Sydney looked so beautiful tonight. She always looked beautiful, but tonight she was breathtaking. Her hair had been curled and put up with two strands framing her face. The light made her skin shimmer. Her dress seemed like it was made just for her with its white silk hugging her every curve. The beaded spaghetti straps that held it added the finishing touch. She looked like a princess.

Michael snapped out of his daze as he heard Sydney's name being called for Prom Queen. He looked over at her and smiled. She smiled back at him quickly before going up to the stage. Michael was so enchanted by her that he didn't even notice his name being called for Prom King until his friend nudge him to go up to the stage.

Everything seemed like a blur around him as he walked up onto the stage. He could hear applause and cheers coming from the crowd and background music playing, but Michael wasn't really paying attention to it. All he could see was Sydney standing on stage smiling at him.

"As tradition, the King and Queen will now have their first dance." Michael heard one of the chaperones say. He looked over at Sydney and took her hand. They made their ways down the steps toward the middle of the dance floor as "I Shall Believe" by Sheryl Crow started playing.

Come to me now
And lay your hands over me
Even if it's a lie
Say it will be alright
And I shall believe
I'm broken in two
And I know you're on to me
That I only come home
When I'm so all alone
But I do believe

"I love this song," Sydney whispered softly as she lay her head lightly on Michael's shoulder. Michael couldn't respond. He was still reeling from being in such close proximity with her. They had danced before, many times, but this time was different. He felt different. He could feel the softness of her skin against his fingers. He could smell the light scent of her hair. It was almost too much for him.


That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly you won't give up on me
And I shall believe
And I shall believe

"I can't believe high school's almost over." Sydney looked up at Michael.

"Me either. It's kind of sad."

"We're going to stay friends, right?" Michael looked into her eyes. There was vulnerability in her eyes that he rarely saw. He was quiet for a moment. Should he tell her? No, now was not the time. So instead he lied.

"Of course, Sydney." He smiled at her and felt so guilty when she smiled back.

Open the door
And show me your face tonight
I know it's true
No one heals me like you
And you hold the key

"I'm going to miss you, Mike."

"I'm going to miss you too, Syd." and boy was there a lot to miss. Not only did he have strong feelings for her, but Sydney had been there for him so many times. Through all the ups and all the downs these past years. She was the only one who understood what it was like to lose a parent.



Never again
would I turn away from you
I'm so heavy tonight
But your love is alright
And I do believe

As though to say something to each other, they both looked up at the same time. It was almost like shock went through them. The tension and electricity was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Michael felt as though he couldn't breathe anymore. They both started to lean in closer to each other.


That not everything is gonna be the way
You think it ought to be
It seems like every time I try to make it right
It all comes down on me
Please say honestly
You won't give up on me
And I shall believe
I shall believe
And I shall believe

Just then the song stopped and noises was coming from the crowd. They pulled abruptly apart and looked awkwardly at the ground as they made their way back to their seats. Michael sighed. I guess it just wasn't meant to be, Michael thought.

******* End Flashback *******

Honk! Honk!

Vaughn snapped out of his memories as he heard cars behind him getting impatient. Pushing his foot on the accelerator, he made his way home unsure of what was to come and if he was prepared for it. Vaughn didn't know if he would still have the same feelings for her once he saw her again and wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. He sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.

*Next chapter is the one you're all waiting for!