So I lied....

Thank you Raine for being the only stinkin' reviewer!

Chapter 9

Drake when had been at the inn for about a month, enough time to let Zandra know he was an outrageous flirt, mainly with her. That he was an expert in self defense. That he had an unlimited supply ten pence doubloons, and that he had a deep dark secret. He disappeared early in the morning and dropped in every now and then for meals, just to flirt a bit and then disappear.

Zandra shook her head as she folded the last top and put in her bag. She was packing to go see Jim graduate. He was FINALLY coming back, though he'd warned in his last letter that he would be shipping out soon after he got back, and to be packed and ready to leave at anytime. She couldn't wait to see him. Sarah's voice floated up the stairs.

"Zandra, we're leaving in five minutes!" YES!

"Okay, I'll be down in a sec!" she quickly double checked her bag before hurrying down the stairs. Only about TWO, INCREDIBLY, LOOOONG hours until Jim!

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Jim had just received his diploma and was glancing over the crowd a small, slightly bewildered, smile on his face. Where is she? She said she'd be here. He swept the crowd over again, but still didn't see her. They were calling the next person up. He hurried off of the stage, bumping into somebody as he did.

"I'm sorry." He murmured as he tried to pass.

"You'd better be!"

"Zandra?!" He stared in disbelief.

"You better believe it!" He let out a whoop and scooped her up into his arms, twirling her around in circles.

"Scare me out of two years growth why don't you ? I thought you didn't come! Where were you?!"

"I missed you too. Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world! And I've been back here for like an hour! Someone should really do something about the heating system back here. It's positively freezing!"

"So you scared the crap out of me for nothing?"

"I don't know about for nothing. It was pretty sweet, seeing you looking all confused and bewildered for once."

"That's not nice." He said, tousling her hair.

"Why you little..."She yelped, rearranging her hair properly.

"I don't know what you mean by 'little'." He said straightening to his full 6'1" height, towering a good four or five inches over her. She glared at him.

"Okay, I take it back, I take it back." She said as she hit his shoulder lightly.

"Is that anyway to treat a guy after he's been gone for three, long months?"

"Probably not, but that's not the point. C'mon, your mom's gonna' be looking for us." She started towards the audience. It's so good to have her near again. He thought following her.

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Zandra smiled, Jim was with her again and she felt nothing but happiness. They had spent the last few hours hearing all about the Academy. Jim had finally run out of tales around three-something in the morning. Sarah was dozing across from them, and BEN was in his 'tired mode' were he just sat there staring into space. Jim's arm was around her and her head was resting on his shoulder. She closed her eyes, feeling completely at peace.

"Hey, Jim?" She whispered, rolling her eyes up at him.

"Yeah?" He looked down at her.

"I'm glad you're back, I really missed you." He smiled and tightened his arm around her.

"I missed you too."

"Don't leave too soon -k-?"

"I'm takin' you with me, remember?"

"I couldn't very well forget!"

"Good."

(A/N: Another pointless chapter I know, I know, get over it!)