Claire turned her head to face the door. Standing there in the doorway was Larry, sullen, with a weak smile on his face. It was Claire he was smiling at. And oddly enough, she smiled back.

As he approached her, she felt herself overcome with a sudden feeling of inadequacy. This isn't how it should be. He should be the insecure one...not me.

Hey, Claire, he said, his voice deep and husky. I just wanted to apologize about the stuff I said earlier. He sighed. Whatever happens between you and Kate--it's really none of my busiiness.

she stumbled over her words, I mean, I forgive you. I feel like such a big stumbling idiot. You were right, anyway. I shouldn't be so rude to everyone. Okay, where did that come from? I'll be mean to whoever I want to be mean to...

Wow, I am one lucky guy. He threw his arms around her. I have the most compassionate girlfriend in the world.

But instead of pushing him away or brushing it off as she usually did, Claire hugged him back. Kate's words struck a nerve with her. How could she lie to this beautiful, honest human beiing? She let a tear escape from her eye.

And I have the nicest boyfriend in the world.

~~~~~~

Lizzie told her. She told Kate who she still had a crush on...a boy from junior high. I am so going to regret this.

Kate squealed. You like him? I totally thought you liked someone entirely different...

Well, who did you think I liked? Lizzie questioned. Kate blushed.

I can't tell. You'd think I was stupid, or something. I mean....it's really embarrassing.

Let's make a deal. You promise to tell me at our 25th annual reunion, and I won't hit you right now.

I'll consider it, Kate responded, as they both divulged into a fit of laughter.

~~~~~~

Ethan, I'm so sorry about this. I didn't know you were standing there, and...well, I was just angry at someone.. Miranda apologized.

he said.



You're mad at Lizzie, aren't you? he asked bluntly.

Miranda's expression became quizzical. But...how did you know?

I was standing out there for a while, you know. Long enough, anyway, he said, smirking. So this is what the girls' room looks like, huh?

Not exactly Ritz quality, if you know what I mean, Miranda laughed. She then took a paper towel, wet it with a cold water, and handed it to Ethan. Here ya go.

he replied, as he placed it onto the bruise on the back of his head. If you don't mind me asking, what was the feud about? She sighed.

Lots of things.

Ethan responded, not expecting to really want to talk about it. But to his surprise (and hers), she spoke again.

I don't even remember what it was about. God, it was such a stupid argument, she said, exasperatedly.

he said, wringing his fingers, do you want to go somewhere and talk about it?

she laughed, are willing to sit there and listen to me complain and jabber on about nothing--voluntarily?! He chuckled.

Yeah, sure. I've got nothing else to do, he said as he made his way out the door.

Wow, that makes me feel real specical, she sarcastically remarked, as she too pushed open the door to follow him.

Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, he said.

I know.

As they walked down the dark hallways of Hillridge Junior High, it all felt so familiar, yet like a distant memory. The details were long forgotten, but the feelings were the same--you couldn't help but feel like you were still that vain young pre-teen again.

Ethan began, do you feel it too?

Feel what? she asked.

he answered thoughtfully. Like we're still in Hillridge Junior High?

Um, Ethan, sorry to burst your bubble, but we are still in Hillridge Junior High, Miranda stated with a hint of sarcasm hidden in her voice.

No, I mean...still in 8th grade. She stopped in her tracks to pause and to ponder the question before her.

she finally responded.

Still holding the paper towel to the back of his head, Ethan sat down on a creaky wooden bench in the hallway. Following his lead, Miranda sat down, folding her skirt beneath her.

It feels like there are so many unresolved conflicts, he said.

There are, she sighed.

Just then, he took a quick look at the damp paper towel. A small circle of scarlet red stained the center of it.

he said.

Did I mention I was really sorry? she apologized again.

It's okay, really, he laughed. But to make it up for me, could you hold this for me? He put his hand out, the hand with the paper towel still in it. My arm's starting to crampp, he said as he tried to stretch out his other arm.

Sure thing, she said as she took the paper towel into her own fingers, and outstretching her arm over his shoulder, gingerly pressed it against his bruise.

Hey, Miranda, he said, his fidgeting more apparent with every creak of the wood, do you think...you and I have any unresolved conflicts...from junior high? Their eyes were locked and they both subconsciously scooted closer to each other with each passing second.

Like what? she asked. They continued to inch closer together.

Anything at all. Their faces were now so close they could feel each other's breath.

Well, I think-- Ethan's lips stole her wo rds, pressed gently against hers. She returned the kiss, but in her head, she knew she shouldn't have. He pressed on, moving his tongue into her mouth. And she let him. He was rubbing up and down her back now. Her heart raced. What could she do?

Suddenly, she shoved him off herself.

I'm sorry... she said in a state of panic. I can't...this is wrong... She inhaled. I don't love you, Ethan.

With that, she ran down the hall sobbing, leaving a confused Ethan to sit and just wonder.

Then, he saw a crumpled piece of paper fall onto the floor out of Miranda's pocket. He walked quickly to it. Picking it up, he flattened it with his hands. He read the scribbly but legible writing. And all the envy rushed to his head.

--------------------------

[A/N: We've got about 10 minutes go until Bye, Bye, Hillridge Junior High airs. I am so excited, it's sad. I've been counting down since ended. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait.

Random fact: I worked on the last part of this chapter for most of the week. The first two parts were written all yesterday.

I had a snow day today, so I got to write a lot. Very happy.

I gotta go get ready for the new episode. See ya! Let me know what you think: please review! Thanks.]