Notes: I got my e-mail address changed. It'll be specifically for FF.net e-mails and things like that. My other one is getting kinda crowded. The new address is trybottlealley@go.com

Quick note to Written Sparks – I did get your e-mail, so you don't have to resend it to me. My computer is kinda messed up right now, but I did receive it. I printed it out so I wouldn't lose the information.

I have another karate story since I'm running out of things to write about. This was months ago, before the school year even started. It's kinda funny.

Anyway, there was this guy that I liked in karate class. He reminded me of Elijah Wood, except taller and younger and not as cute. The lower belts were separated from the rest of class. We were supposed to get into partners and I ended up being paired off with him. One time, we were told to do front choke holds. When he did it to me once, I pulled his arm down with my left like we were told. Then, you're supposed to use the other hand to push their head back. I did this and instead of doing it gently, nailed him right in the nose! Luckily, it didn't do any damage. I was so embarrassed, because I thought this guy was cute and just hit him during practice. See, he's way taller than me and I couldn't exactly do the move right. He was the closest to my height in the class though. Most everyone else was shorter. I'm the oldest girl in my class right now.

Ok, question for everyone: Do you think I could make it as a writer? It's one of my dreams and I want your honest opinion on whether I could make a good career of it. I know my stories aren't exactly masterpieces, but I really want to know. I'm thinking of looking for an agent. I have written a few books of my own already, a mystery series. Please e-mail comments to my new e-mail address. I'd really appreciate it.

Shout-Outs:

Jocelyn Padoga – You think I'm sweet? If only I had a penny for every time I've heard that! I get it so many times that I'd be rich. Don't worry though, he's being nice to me. A little too nice, but it's all good. Besides, not everyone knows this, but I believe in 'True Love Waits'

NadaZimri – Hey, glad ya like it. Here's your update!

Wisecracker88 - I'm glad that someone else shares in my confusion. Oh well, thanks for reviewing!

Robin – I always have room for more characters. Send one in with the basic info and I'd be proud to put her in my story. Don't forget to mention what job you want. Thanks.

Just Close Your Eyes

I closed the door after Mush disappeared from sight and sighed in relief. He hadn't suspected that I was lying. I knew that I would see him later with the rest of the guys, but he had come to see me personally with no one else around. I immediately knew that something was going on.

I slid a hand into my pocket, fingering the silver metal. I had suddenly felt guilty about taking it when Mush arrived. I knew that it was mine and everything, but what if it had meant something to him? It was like giving someone something that you realize you really want when it's already gone. This time though, I had taken it. It didn't matter if it was mine or not. It was right by his bunk and I had simply picked it up and taken it like it was nothing.

When another knock sounded on the door, I looked up. Snow entered slowly, shutting the door gently behind her, "Do you think you'll be ready for the performance Friday?"

"Yeah," I answered, glad to get my mind off of Mush for a while, "It's not too hard."

"Good," she replied, "Medda wants to make sure that it's perfect for everyone. It's not everyday that we have new people perform." I smiled a little, glad that I could ease a little of her discomfort about Friday. Still, I wasn't entirely comfortable being on stage in front of a bunch of people, especially when one was my crush. It was my dream however, so I hoped that it would go well.

Snow left shortly after that and Jaws walked in moments later. I suddenly remembered that we had never finished our conversation from earlier. Since I had nothing to do, I pulled out two chairs from in front of the mirrors. She sat down and we continued.

"So, what happened after I left," I asked. I knew that I could trust her with my secrets. She didn't seem like the type who would tell. Jaws hesitated after I finished asking.

"The guys were talking about a locket," she finally said reluctantly, looking up at me, "I don't know why, but they mentioned you too." I slowly met her gaze and had no doubt that she was telling the truth. I took a deep breath before doing what I did next.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the heart shape on the thin chain, "It's true," I said, showing it to her, "I lost it days ago when the guys spotted me outside the window." I opened it and pointed out the pictures, "It's the only thing I have left of my family." I paused, "You won't tell, will you?"

"Of course not," Jaws reassured me. There was an awkward silence, "What happened to them?" I glanced down at the locket before clasping it shut and sticking it back in my pocket. I began to tell her what had happened to make my life turn upside-down. It was nice to know that someone was listening for once.

Mush leaned against the outside of the theater, wondering what to do next. The guys expected him to be back and tell about the locket. He couldn't just go back and tell them that he didn't have the courage to ask her. It was his own fault, he supposed, for being too nice and not wanting to hurt other people's feelings. He hated that if he asked, that's exactly what he would be doing. He didn't want to pry into Alaska's past and about her family.

He guessed that he had a few hours before the show was to begin that night. He didn't want to stay out in the cold until then. But what could he tell the guys? Thinking, he slowly walked down the street in the direction of Tibby's. Someone was always there to talk to if he needed and he wouldn't have to explain to the guys that he never even brought up the subject to Alaska.

"What are you doing back so soon," a voice asked as he stepped in. Scout was watching him from the kitchen, "Lunch ended a while ago."

"It's pretty empty here," Britts joined in, "What's going on?" He looked at the two girls, figuring that they could keep a secret. Both were silent as he told his story, offering words of advice after he was finished.

"I'm with you on this Mush," Scout commented, "They shouldn't pressure you so much."

"It's just a locket," Britts agreed, "and from what I heard, it's definitely Alaska's. Shouldn't that be enough for them?"

"You would think that it was," Scout said, "but these are the guys. They want to know everything."

"It's like everything's a headline with them," Mush continued, "and they're searching for the perfect story."

"Having girl troubles Mush," Jinx's voice entered the conversation. She sat down at the table, smiling widely at her friend.

He smiled at her joke. That was exactly what he expected from her, "Kinda," he replied, "I guess it's something I have to figure out for myself though."

"Gotta hate those problems," Jinx told him, "Too much thinking involved."

"Any amount of thinking is hard for you Jinx," he responded and then dodged the joking punch aimed for him. Jinx grinned at him and pretended to be angry for missing her easy target, "I'd better go. Everyone's meeting at Medda's for the show tonight." He stood up and exited to head back.

I watched…or rather heard the show from backstage. Since I didn't have to perform, I helped backstage as much as I could. Dreamer, Jaws, Swoosh and I were gathered at the corner of the curtain, listening to every word. Silently, I turned to Swoosh.

"The background looks great," I whispered over to her. I had caught a look at it earlier in the afternoon and hadn't had a chance to tell her until now. She smiled in return and I went silent once again. It was supposed to be absolutely quiet back here, but sometimes the silence was annoying. I mouthed the words along with Snow onstage. We had to practice that song when we started working together, just to get the feeling of performing on stage. Dreamer and Swoosh were doing the same. They had heard the songs enough times to have them memorized by heart. Jaws was listening intently to the music.

When the show ended, they hurried backstage. I stayed behind for a little while, not sure if I wanted to see Mush again yet. Figuring that one of the girls would come looking for me if I didn't arrive, I decided to save them the trouble. Slowly, I headed to the backstage area. People were everywhere, so many that I couldn't tell one from another. They seemed to blend together in their huge crowd.

I stopped walking when I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. Thinking that it was Mush, I turned slowly to face him. Instead though, I was face to face with Race. I almost sighed out loud, but managed not to. At least it wasn't Jack. I would feel too nervous talking to the obvious leader of the group. Questions were one thing I couldn't handle right now.

"Hey Race," I greeted him, relaxing a little. I gave him a small smile and waited for him to speak.

"I was wondering…if you…wanted to play poker," he finally blurted out. I stared at him in confusion for a second. I was expecting something different from him.

"Sure," I answered slowly and cautiously, as if scared that it was some sort of trick. I followed him over to a table where a bunch of guys were gathered. Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Race give a glance to Jack, shrugging his shoulders in defeat. Then he gave the same look to Mush. I wondered what was going on, but decided not to ask about it. Looking down at the cards in my hand, I hoped that my luck would hold out.