The bus pulled in to the dorm parking lot a little after 3PM. Everyone filed off the bus and unloaded their stuff. Ms. Cannon and Coach Williams were barking orders left and right, each trying to out-shout the other.

"Girls-this way. I'll show you to your rooms."

"Team, let's go. Same floor as last year. Move out!"

Kayla found Sera just as Kyle was handing her duffel bag to her and kissing her goodbye.

"Hey!" Kayla said waving goodbye to Kyle.

"Hey roomie!"

"Wow, you and Kyle look pretty exclusive."

"Well, I don't know about that. We've never actually said we're exclusive."

"He called you his girlfriend right?"

"Yeah."

"In front of the guys on the team?"

"Yeah, that's how he introduced me to Tim Malamud."

"You're exclusive!"

Sera smiled as she and Kayla entered the dorm building.

"It took forever for Devon to call me that. He usually say 'This is my date Kayla' or 'Kayla and I are together' I think we were a couple for six months before he finally said the dreaded G word."

"Why do most guys have an aversion to using that term. Is there something horribly wrong with the word girlfriend?"

"You got me. But Kyle certainly doesn't seem to have a problem with it. Maybe it's the Buddhist thing!"

"Maybe!"

"One thing though. You might want to watch out for Pam."

"Why do you say that?"

"She has her sights set on Kyle, and I for one know how determined she can be."

"Well I appreciate the warning, but I'm not too worried about Pam. Kyle doesn't seem to interested."

"Please, you think that stops Pam?" Kayla laughed.

"Adler, Davidson. This is your room." Ms. Cannon said stopping near an open door.

"Delany, Ewing. You're here. Forrester and Gordon next to them. Green and Martz, and finally Timmons and Troy. Those of you wondering why we're doing alphabetical rooming this year is that the past years when you were allowed to choose your own roommates, there were several incidents involving football players entering the rooms. I trust that we won't have those problems this year! You're all on the honor system. Any rule breaking, ESPECIALLY involving members of the opposite sex in dorm rooms should be reported to me IMMEDIATELY! Am I making myself clear?"

A chorus of 'Yes Ma'ams' and Ms. Cannon seemed satisfied. "I'll let you settle in."

Kayla and Sera dropped their duffels on their beds and began to unpack.

"So you're working at the Crashdown huh?"

"Yeah. You checking up on me?" Sera asked with a smile.

"No, Vicki told me."

"Oh. Yeah, I started right when I got into town."

"You've got it made girl! Working at a cool place, you made the cheerleading squad, and you're dating one of our star football players. What's your secret?"

"Its simple, I pay people VERY well!!"

The girls laughed and finished unpacking.

**************************************************************************** **

CRASHDOWN CAFE

Maria sighed as she came into the kitchen.

"So, what are you and Prince Charming up to tonight?" she asked Liz.

"We're having dinner with his parents."

"By choice?"

"Maria!"

"I'm sorry. I'm just trying to imagine Michael voluntarily sitting down to dinner with my mother and Jim! There is an amusing image."

"Hey, are you two working or yakking?" Michael scolded from the grill.

"Pleasant isn't he?" Maria laughed as she watched Liz finish making a Blastoff Sundae.

"Do you two ever stop fighting?"

"No!" They yelled at the same time.

Maria leaned into her best friend, "Well, there is one instance that we don't fight."

"Stop right there." Liz warned as she moved away from Maria.

"Lizzie, come on."

"Maria, I don't need to hear about these things!"

"What did you say to her? Michael questioned.

"Go back to your grill Spaceboy, this is girl talk."

"I know. That's what I'm afraid of!"

**************************************************************************** **

CAMP

"The new chick is hot." Bailey Kroft said as he tossed the pigskin to Travis Nixon.

"She had a face? All I noticed was her body! Sweet!" Nick Fitzgerald yelled throwing the ball to Greg Tierney.

"Who's the latest dish?" Kyle asked, joining the group.

"Your girlfriend." Paul Stewart answered honestly.

"New topic!" Kyle warned catching the ball and firing it to Jake Winger.

"You don't like us discussing Sera?" Jake asked jokingly as he pitched the ball to Rafael Lopez.

"You want us to start talking about Vicki?" Kyle teased.

"Hey, how about a new topic fellas!" Jake yelled to the team.

**************************************************************************** **

On the other side of campus, Ms. Cannon split her girls in two groups:

Kayla, Sera, Vicki, Darlene Ewing, and Rachel Forrester comprised the first group.

Amy, Pam, Karen Gordon, Tonya Martz, and Amber Timmons were in the second.

1.1 "OK, I want each group to take some music, and choreograph a routine then present it at our next session, before dinner. That gives you two hours."

Sera's group pawed through the stack of CDs Ms. Cannon presented them with. Darlene started a table with two headings: Songs with Potential and NO WAY IN HELL.

Suddenly Sera jumped up. "I've got it! It's the perfect cheer."

"That's it!" Kayla said shaking her head. "You are banned from further SNL viewing."

"But the Spartan cheerleaders are great!" Sera whined.

"NO! You are cutoff missy! You were quoting Mango in the room earlier and now Craig and Arianna! Enough!"

"I thought it was funny Sera." Vicki defended.

"So what is the 'perfect cheer' anyway?" Rachel asked.

Sera smiled and held up the soundtrack to Bring It On.

**************************************************************************** **

Since Amy was the cheerleading captain, Ms. Cannon thought her group should present first.

Tonya Martz queued up their music and the girls got into place. Sera and Kayla could hardly keep a straight face as The Baha Men's "Who Let The Dogs Out" emanated from the CD player.

The music selection caused a smattering of chuckles from several of the football players who had gathered to watch the girls practice.

Rachel leaned forward to whisper in Darlene's ear. "They have some good moves, the songs just all wrong."

"That basket toss is great!" Vicki said nodding her head.

"Amy, Karen and Tonya's kicks are right on beat too." Sera commented.

The routine was finally (and mercifully, Sera thought) over.

Ms. Cannon offered her review, "OK girls, I saw some great moves there! I think we'll use a different song, but the mechanics were nice!"

Sera, Vicki, Kayla, Rachel and Darlene. You guys are up."

Sera put the CD in the player, queued their song and ran to her spot behind Rachel.

Bewitched's "Mickey" started and the girls ran out to the 'center' of the quad.

Kyle, Devon, Jake and several of the other football players cheered and hooted as the girls did their routine.

Sera and Kayla lip-synched the entire song as they cheered. Kyle smiled as he watched his girlfriend perform. He turned to Devon, "Do you realize how lucky we are man?"

"You mean because we have two incredibly hot and if I may say LIMBER girlfriends?"

"Yeah!"

"Yeah! I do! Look at them! By the way I think Pam's trying to get your attention. She keeps looking this way and blinking."

"I think she's trying to flirt."

"Whoa, if that's flirting color me scared."

1.2 "Tell me about it!"

The girls finished their routine and the football players game them a standing ovation. Kyle wondered if Sera was the main choreographer of the routine since it had LOTS of gyrations and other moves he'd seen her use while dancing. Not that he was complaining, those gyrations are what made it a great routine.

Sera bounded toward him with a mega-watt grin on her face.

"Ms. Cannon LOVED it! She is actually considering using it as one of our routines this year! She wants Amy and I to go over a few things, new ideas and what not. But I'm SO excited!"

1.3 "So you did choreograph that?"

"Well, I did some but Kayla and the others were key. It was a group project."

"Liar!" Kayla said as she and Devon joined them. "She's being modest. That was totally her creation."

"No it was not! Everyone put it together."

"Fine. 99% was Sera and the rest was us."

Sera laughed and shoved Kayla toward Devon.

Kayla jumped on Devon for a piggyback ride. The quartet headed for the dining hall as Pam caught up with them.

"Nice routine guys." Pam managed as she noticed Kyle and Sera holding hands.

"Thanks Pam. You guys were great too! Love the song." Kayla snickered from Devon's back.

Pam shot Kayla a harsh look, before softening her features and turning to Kyle. "Amber and I are having a party in our room late tonight if you want to join us."

"Thanks, but I've got plans." Kyle said pulling Sera closer to him.

"Well, if you change your mind…"

"We appreciate it Pam, but we'll be REALLY busy! If you catch my meaning." Sera ran her hand up Kyle's chest keeping her eyes on Pam to gauge her reaction.

Pam forced a smile. "OK then, I'll see you at dinner." She stalked away from the group and Sera cackled.

"That was great! I loved the look on her face!"

"We should really piss her off more often." Kayla agreed. "That was fun!"

"You know when we were listing their attributes, we forgot ruthless."

"You were listing our attributes?" Sera said glancing at Kyle.

"And forgiving, did we mention forgiving.

**************************************************************************** **

Maria and Michael walked up the Evans' driveway

"I still cannot believe that you failed to tell me they invited us to dinner and that you accepted on our behalf. I didn't get the chance to call Mrs. Evans and ask if there was anything I could bring. So now I have to show up empty handed and..."

Michael stopped at the porch, reached behind a shrub and pulled out a bouquet of wildflowers.

"What, how….Michael?"

"I told Iz what I did and she said she'd have something for me behind the shrub. Here, you can give these to Mrs. Evans."

He knocked on the door. Phillip pulled it open moments later and beckoned them inside.

They followed Mr. Evans into the kitchen where Max and Liz were helping set the table and chatting with Diane.

"You made it!" Diane beamed at M and M.

"Hi! These are for you." Maria said presenting the bouquet.

"Oh wildflowers, my favorite! Thank you Maria. That's so sweet."

"Kids, what can I get you to drink?" Phillip asked.

"Cherry coke." All four teens replied.

"Why do I ask?" Mr. Evans said grinning at his wife.

Michael reached for a second helping of lasagna after getting an OK from Diane. He set it on his plate and was about to put the serving fork down when Maria cleared her throat. "You think you could dip some out for me?"

"Did you ask for seconds?"

"Michael."

"Children, lets not fight at the table." Diane said in mock warning.

Maria smiled and took the fork from Michael.

"So girls, have you heard from Kyle or Sera? Did they get in OK?"

"Kyle called Jim, He said they got in just fine and were already heading out for practice." Maria stated.

"Those poor kids will be so exhausted when they get back." Diane said making the universal tsk tsk noise mothers are famous for.

"I'm kinda curious to see what Kyle picks up this year. I mean last year he came back as a Buddhist, there's no telling what we'll get this year." Max joked.

"I think Kyle's changed for the better since he became Buddhist." Liz defended her friend.

"I agree. " Maria said nodding her head.

"Of course he changed for the better, its not like he could have been worse!" Michael joked shoving another forkful of lasagna in his mouth.

Diane smirked but managed to shoot Michael an admonishing look. "Kyle and Sera certainly seem to be serious these days." Mrs. Evans observed.

Maria and Liz shared a smile before Liz responded. "I think she's been really good for him."

"And here we thought that Kyle and Izzy were heading for a romance." Phillip said.

Max and Michael nearly choked on their dinner as Maria let out a short blast of laughter.

"Kyle and Iz? A couple? No, I don't think that was ever an option!"

"No? They seem really close." Phil insisted.

"They're just friends. Very good friends." Liz explained.

"Yeah Dad, I don't think you have to worry about Kyle and Isabel hooking up in any other fashion!" Max laughed.

"How long are Kyle and Sera away at their camps?" Diane asked.

"Three weeks." Maria said, exhaling loudly. "They have to be bored right? I mean three weeks of cheers and football! Yawn! What could they possibly do for fun?"

**************************************************************************** **

"I got it!" Sera yelled as she spiked the ball over the net.

Nathan Webber looked up just as the ball was hurtling towards his face, he dove out of the way and the ball smacked into the ground.

"Woo Hoo!" Sera yelled as she danced before a still prone Nathan. "I think that evens the score boys!"

"I think they've got a ringer." Jake called from the back.

"It gets worse, she's serving!" Kyle said with a grimace.

Sera turned and stuck her tongue out at her boyfriend before serving the ball right to him.

Kyle popped the ball up and Greg Tierney spiked near Pam. Pam squeaked and threw her hands up to cover her face. "GREG! That was close!"

Amy dove to the ground and made enough contact to get the ball to Sera who sent it sailing over the net again and right between Tim Malamud and Chris Gordon.

Sera helped Amy up. The girls exchanged high fives and grins.

"If I'm not mistaken this is game point gentlemen!" Sera chanted as she served. Sam Miller got underneath the serve and bashed it across the net to Rachel Forrester. Rachel managed a one-handed spike that Tonya smashed back to the boys' side. Kyle and Paul Stewart were ready. Kyle jabbed the ball toward Paul, who in turn, launched a beautiful spike directly at Pam. Pam did just as the boys expected her to do; she used her hands as a shield and the ball hurtled to the ground. Darlene lunged for it but it was too late.

"Oh girls, I think THIS is game point." Chris cackled as he smacked the volleyball at his sister, Karen. Karen returned Chris' serve with little effort. Chris may be her big brother, but Karen could probably take him. The football players scrambled for the ball and just managed to get it over the net. In their rush, they positioned the ball perfectly. It landed right between Sera and Amy. Sera dove to no avail, the ball bounced off the tips of her fingers and landed in the soft sand with a plop.

On the other side of the net the boys erupted with cheers and hoots, high fives all around. Kyle disengaged himself from the throng, crossed to the cheerleaders' side of the net, and pulled his girlfriend to her feet.

"Well that sucks!" Sera said, as she stood and pulled out of Kyle's arms.

"You really don't like to lose do you?" Kyle asked, remembering the pool game on their first date.

"No! And what makes it worse is that we could have beaten you if we could have eliminated certain members of out team."

"Anyone in particular?" Kyle asked knowingly.

"You know exactly who I'm talking about! You would think that as competitive as she is about cheering, it would carry over to other sports!"

"Pam isn't as competitive as you babe. You play to win, Pam play doesn't have that philosophy. She plays because she wants to flirt with the team."

"I just can't stand the way she goes up there and slaps at the ball. It's pathetic. Does she really think guys don't find athletic females attractive? Hello! Gabrielle Reese is a pro volleyball player and plenty of guys find her sexy."

"Yeah she is hot!" Kyle said with a faraway look in his eyes.

"Maybe we should make a rule that you don't fantasize about other women while we're together."

"Oh well, if you insist."

Sera fixed him with a look that left no room for doubt.

//OK change of subject// Kyle thought.

"You wanna get out of here?" Kyle asked.

"Depends on what you have in mind." Sera said grinning.

"You'll see."

Sneaking into the dorms Sera laughed as they entered Kyle's room and she glanced at Devon's empty bed.

"Guess that means that my room is off limits for awhile!" Sera joked.

"What do you mean?"

"Did you see Devon at the game?"

"No."

1.4 "Did you happen to notice who was missing from our side?"

"Not really, I…OH! So you think their off doing…OK"

"If not, they're at least having some 'alone time'." Sera said complete with Dr. Evil style air quotes.

"Now there is a good idea." Kyle said as he advanced on Sera, tackled her on his bed and began to tickle here with a mischievous grin on his face.

1.5 "At last I have you in my clutches, Maw Haw Ha!"

Sera stopped struggling and laughing long enough to give Kyle the 'you're completely insane look before drawing him into a kiss.

Kyle's hand moved up her tank. Sera inhaled sharply as his fingertips brushed her ribcage.

His mouth moved back over hers as his hand moved higher up her body. When he felt the lacy fabric of her bra he paused, wondering if he should continue. His hand hovered above her breast for a full minute before Sera pushed into him and made the decision for him.

They remained wrapped up in each other for awhile, soon Sera became aware of Kyle's hand reaching for the front clasp to her bra. She had a fleeting inclination to stop his efforts, but decided she was enjoying herself too much to stop him just yet.

When he succeeded in opening the clasp he pulled away from her kiss and used his tongue to trace a path to her chest. His tongue played over her nipple for a moment before his mouth descended on it.

She cried out as he teased first one breast then the other. She thread her fingers in his hair.

Kyle smiled against her skin as she arched her back under his touch. Feeling a bit daring, he moved back up her body to reclaim her mouth as his hands worked on the tie on her shorts.

Sera stiffened and struggled beneath him.

She pushed at his chest. "Kyle stop."

"What?" He pulled back to look at her.

"I can't, I…I'm not rea… not yet."

"Hey, its OK. Relax, we can stop."

He started to sit up and she grabbed his shoulders. "It's not that I don't want to, it's just…." she looked away.

"What?"

"I'm..."

"Sera, I'm not trying to force you into something you're not ready for. You saying no isn't going to change my feelings for you."

"Kyle, I've never done that with anyone."

"Kissing? Sera, you're gorgeous, I find that very hard to believe."

"Kyle! You know what I mean. The other stuff," She paused, hoping it would dawn on him, it didn't. "the under the clothes stuff."

The proverbial light bulb sputtered to life over Kyle's head as her words registered with him. His eyes widened as looked at her. "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

She looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"That uh, you're a virgin?"

"Disappointed?" she asked warily.

Kyle laughed for a moment until he saw the hurt look on her face. He titled her face towards him.

"God no!."

"Are you sure? I mean I know you've dated a lot of girls who are more…advanced, so I'm sure you expecting…"

"Sera, I won't lie and say I don't want you. Every time I'm around you, I have to keep myself in check. You give me those looks like you're going to ravish me. You say things that make me want to ravish you. The way you kiss me goodnight at the end of our dates drives me so insane I literally have to meditate to stop myself from creeping into your bedroom at night, just so I can hold you a little longer."

She blushed and dropped her eyes.

"But if you're not ready, you're not ready!"

She smiled as she gazed at him.

"I didn't mean to lead you on."

"You didn't, I can wait." After a beat, "It may kill me."

She averted her eyes and he touched his nose to hers. "I'm kidding. You set the pace. We'll play by your rules!"

She smiled and ran a finger along his jaw.

"I do love the way you kiss!"

"Kissing works for me."

Kyle kissed her again. After a time she pulled away and looked at him with a devilish grin.

"I think SOME under the clothes stuff would be OK."

//I am SO going to need a cold shower after tonight!//

**************************************************************************** **

So you're sure, about the sex stuff I mean?" Sera asked as Kyle walked her down to the girl's floor.

"If I just wanted to hop into bed with someone I'd be sneaking into Pam's room right now. I'm where I want to be and who I want to be with."

She smiled and hugged him tightly.

"Thanks!"

"Now get inside and be quiet, you don't want to wake up Kayla."

Suddenly they noticed the door creeping open ever so slightly. Devon poked his head out the crack and motioned for them to get inside.

"Told ya so." Sera laughed looking back at Kyle, as they entered the room that was illuminated only by the moonlight.

"Get in here. Pam was here five minutes ago wondering where Sera was. I think she knows you two were off somewhere."

"She didn't see you?" Kyle asked.

"I hid in the closet." Devon replied.

"I told her you were in the bathroom. I don't think she believed me. My guess, she's going to snitch to Cannon you're missing!" Kayla said standing near the closet.

"What the hell is up with that girl?" Sera asked. "She's had it in for me since day one."

" You want a list?" Kayla asked. "You're dating Kyle, you're a better cheerleader. You're nicer, prettier. Oh did I mention that you're dating Kyle?"

"But if she squeals on me she burns him too."

"That's why she wants to catch you out of the room. I guess she figured you'd come back alone and Cannon would catch you in the hall after curfew!"

The four teens froze when they heard Mrs. Cannon knock.

"Girls, Wake up!! I'm doing a bed check."

Kyle and Devon looked like deer in headlights while Kayla covered her mouth with her hands. Sera sprung into action. She shoved the boys in the closet, grabbed her duffel and Kayla's placing them in front of the closet door. She stripped off her shorts and tossed her covers about to make her bed looked slept in. Finally she grabbed her portable CD player and Kayla's out of the duffels.

She handed one to Kayla and tossed the other one on her bed.

"Put these on and lay down!" She whispered to Kayla before moving to the door.

Kayla got under the covers, and covered her ears with the headphones.

"Ms. Cannon? What's up?" Sera asked as she opened the door.

"It was reported that you were missing." Ms. Cannon said moving into the room and turning on the light.

Kayla sat up, removed the headphones and looked from Ms. Cannon to Sera.

"Missing? No, I went down to the bathroom a little while ago but I came straight back."

"Kayla, you've been here the whole time?"

"Yes Ma'am. But I didn't hear her." She pointed at the CD player on her pillow.

Sera laughed. "I just barely heard you knocking. I kept trying to figure out why "Yesterday" suddenly had a drum solo in it."

Ms. Cannon chuckled. "No, I don't think that's the way Lennon and McCartney wrote it!"

"Much to Ringo's chagrin." Sera laughed, relieved that Ms. Cannon didn't seem suspicious.

"Well, OK. You girls get back to bed. And to the Beatles! Good choice by the way!"

"Thanks! I grew up listening to them, my mom's a big fan and she created a monster in me!"

"Hey there are worse things you could be listening to. Kayla what's spinning in your player?"

"Oh, uh Jay-z" Kayla said the first thing that came to her mind.

"See." Ms. Cannon said winking at Sera.

Sera grinned back and walked toward the door.

"Sorry to bother you. Good night girls!"

"Good night Ms. Cannon." they replied together.

The coach closed the door behind her. Both Sera and Kayla breathed a sigh of relief. Sera locked the door before moving to the closet to let Devon and Kyle out.

Kayla was trying to quell her laughter but she couldn't. She looked at Sera. "Bad joke I know but looks like they're finally out of the closet."

Sera laughed with her roommate, they covered their mouths with their pillows just in case Ms. Cannon or Pam was lurking in the hall.

"Ha Ha. Glad you two think this is so funny!" Kyle said.

"Nice pick up on that Beatles thing girl!" Devon said looking at Sera.

"Yeah, how could you be so sure she'd get that reference?"

"I was in her office when you guys were deciding whether or not to add me to the squad. She had a framed lithograph of Meet the Beatles. I remembered it because it was the first album my dad ever gave me."

Kyle swept Sera into his arms. "I knew there was a reason I was dating you!"

"Sera, liking the pink lace!!" Devon said leering at her.

Kyle looked down at his girlfriend and noticed for the first time that she was wearing only a tank and her panties. "Sera!"

"What?" She asked grabbing her shorts from underneath her covers and slipping into them. "I couldn't exactly answer the door in the same outfit I've been wearing all night! I figured I could get by in the tank, but not my shorts. Especially since they have COMETS emblazoned on them!" she pointed to her right leg, which bore the West Roswell logo.

Devon wagged his eyebrows at Kyle who stared him down in return.

"So I guess the big question is how do we get these two out of here?" Kayla asked looking at Kyle and Devon.

"Go out like you're using the bathroom. Check the hall and make sure Pam and Cannon are gone. I'll keep the door open and you can signal us. Wave your hand or something."

"Man Sera, that's a plan and a half."

"Please, you act as though I never had to sneak a guy out of my room before."

"What?" Kyle yelled spinning to face Sera.

"I never said I was a saint!" She said grinning mischievously at him.

TBC