Author's Note: Turning things slightly to Michael's view. And a yah, for Fruitopia and dim-sum! I'd like to thank those two items for helping me write this. But it's short, because I'm still thinking plotlines. Anyway, should I continue this? Or are y'all getting bored?





Michael turns to look at her in concern, with a slightly puzzled expression on his face. Sydney's pretty face has contorted into a frown, and Sydney herself has grow a shade paler.

His green eye study her intently as he asks, "Do you...know Amy?" Although he'd hate to admit it, her reaction was pretty typical of those whom have come across his wild cousin.

Sydney grows even paler, 'Quite a feat for someone with such pale and pretty skin, already' Michael catches himself thinking, and then, with increasing alarm, Michael notices that Sydney has a death grip on her book.

"Here, let me take that for you." He tells her, gently taking the book from her hands. She reacts by giving him a wan smile, and lets go of the wet book, allowing him to put it in the pocket of his pea coat.

"And get under the umbrella, Sydney. Your pants are getting soaked." He adds, gently pulling her under the large canvas shelter.

Sydney turns to smile at him again, and whispers a soft "Thanks, I was getting kind of wet," but clams up again, still pale and noticeably unhappy.

Michael shifts uncomfortably, and chatises himself for bringing up his cousin. He should've known that any mentions of her name would probably get this kind of reaction.

Michael turns to look at Sydney, opening his mouth and wanting to apologize for whatever grief his cousin may have caused her, but closes it again. Although Sydney seemed like she would normally be a sweet girl, she had such a sad and morose vibe at the moment, Michael really wasn't sure quite what to do.

The twosome fall into a silence again, this time accented heavily with emotion. Finally, as they arrive in front of a tan-colored building, with a precariously-posted paper sign that says "Administration" hanging out front, Michael turns to Sydney and grabs her arm.

"Sydney...I'm not really sure what's going on here. Do you want to fill me in? Is there something going on between you and my cousin?"