"I love high school, there are so many gorgeous guys here not like the dweebs from junior high." Claire strolled down the hallway as if she owned it.

"That's because they're probably older Claire, don't forget we're only freshmen." Why was Kate being so difficult? It was as if she wasn't her best friend anymore.

"Yeah, but there are some pretty hot freshmen too. Did you see that guy in our Geograpy class? The one that looked as if he could be Avril Lavigne's Sk8r Boi."

"Actually, I'm not sure I know who you're talking about." Claire wasn't surprised.

"You wouldn't. All you think about is Ethan now. But anyway, his name is Ronnie Jacobs. Isn't that a great name? I'm going for him. He is too hot to pass up."

"Ronnie Jacobs, hmmn, didn't he used to date Lizzie McGuire?"

"I wouldn't know Kate, I don't pay attention to the love lives of the second class citizens."

"You don't have to be so mean Claire." At that exact moment Kate and Claire passed Lizzie's and Miranda's lockers. They had lunch the same time. Great. They could hang out. "Hey Lizzie. Welcome back Miranda."Her smile was genuine.

"You guys have lunch now too?"Lizzie smiled back. Miranda was still warming to the idea of Kate being nice again. Summer always changed Kate so much it was incredible.

"Yeah, but you don't think that we would actually eat lunch with you dorks do you? Come on Lizardface. First impressions last forever and ours would be totally ruined for high school if we were seen socializing with you losers." Obviously Claire couldn't be bothered with change over the summer. If anything she had gotten even more snobbish.

"Claire cut it out ok? Maybe I'd like to eat lunch with Lizzie and Miranda."Kate reverted to her snooty voice but surprise, surprise it wasn't directed at them.

"What is with you? Ever since you didn't get to go to cheer camp you've gotten really stuck-up."Claire exploded at Kate.

"My, my, isn't the pot calling the kettle black Claire? And I didn't NOT get to go to cheer camp. YOU didn't get to go to Italy. Get your facts straight Claire. Lets go guys." And with that Kate stormed off with a stunned Lizzie and Miranda behind her and a furious Claire standing in the middle of the hallway.

When they reached the cafeteria the guys were already there and had saved a table for them. Ethan saw Kate headed that way with them and sauntered over.

"Ladies, ladies, ladies! And gentlemen. What's wrong Kate? Turn the frown upside down. You're too gorgeous to be upset." Kate blushed. It was no secret that she had always liked Ethan. Everyone did. This feeling was different though. She wasn't just checking out his looks. She was attracted to his personality. He was popular but it didn't affect him at all, it just happened. He was a genuinely sweet person.

He was smarter than most people thought too. That still wasn't VERY smart but he did have a whole brain. He had especially become more in touch with reality over the past few months. He had to. His situation at home was becoming pretty stressful. His mother had demanded that he come live with her saying that Tawny was too stupid to raise her son. Why didn't she think of that three years ago when she decided that she want to live in Europe? Maybe Tawny was really dense but he liked her. She was nice to him.

Kate was the only person he had told about his life at home. He didn't why he told her but ever since Rome they had really connected. He felt something when he was with her. He felt.... Jeez, what was the name of that stupid subject! He could never remember it. He didn't even notice that his mind had strayed. They were all looking at him with confused looks on their faces.

"What are you talking about Ethan?" Gordo asked.

"Huh? What did I just say?"

"Only some gobbledeegook about knowing you'll never pass it." Kate watched him concerned. He had to stop mentally straying. The confusion it caused in his head would only add to his stress.

"Oh. I was just thinking bout this subject. Lizzie, you know it, right?" Lizzie realized that he was talking about when she had asked him to the dance.

"You mean Chemistry?" She saw the look he gave Kate and smiled. She was happy for them. They actually made a great couple.

"Yeah...... Chemistry." And he continued to stare at Kate. "You still haven't told my why you're upset though Kate."

"Yes I did Ethan, you just didn't listen. Claire and I had a fight. She just didn't grow up over the summer. She still acts as if she's in middle school. When are people going to realize that the world doesn't revolve around them?" She rolled her eyes. Something was nagging her though. "Wait.... Guys was that how I used to act?" Please say no, please say no.

"Well... yeah Kate." Lizze felt bad for her. She knew she wasn't like that anymre.

"Oh my gosh. I am so sorry. Forgive me?"

"Yeah we do. Friends again?"This time it was Miranda that spoke.

"Best friends." Finally Kate felt happy with herself. Those nagging doubts that she had throughout middle school suddenly disappeared. Then she realized. She hadn't really liked how she acted all that time. She wasn't being herself. Well she will be now. She felt totally carefree and happy. High school was the BEST!