A/N: I don't really know how you all liked Chapter 8, but I'm really getting into this story. So w/o further adeiu, on with the next chapter: (You know the drill with the disclaimer.)

Chapter 9: What Can A Girl Do?

It was after school Monday. I was getting so behind in my work, I decided to head straight for the library instead of to my dorm. Besides, I don't know if Nick's there or not. It would be bad to walk in on those two. Shutters.

As I was walking across the quad, some guy behind yelled, "Wait up, beautiful!" I had no idea who he was talking to, so I kept walking. Then two strong arms grabbed me from behind.

"Ahh! Get off me!" I screamed, trying to hit the boy with my backpack.

"Sorry, but I did ask you to wait, Lil." He started to kiss my neck.

"Ohmigosh, Adam! Stop it!" I pulled away giggling, and began to walk toward the library again.

"So," he said, casually taking my hand in his. "How was your day? Where are you going? Are doing anything later?"

"Geez! One question at a time." I stopped walking and turned to him. "One, my day sucked. My history paper was due today, but since I spent most of the weekend with a certain Varsity player, I didn't finish it. Then I have a huge science project due Friday, and an English thesis due tomorrow, since I got an extension."

"Oh, my poor baby." He started to pull me closer, but I stood my distance.

"Two," I started as I began to walk again, "I'm going to the library to get some work done. And three, no dates tonight. I've got to be all about my studies."

"Bummer!" He shook his head. Then he brightened. "Maybe you could use a study buddy?" He raised his eyebrows up and down.

"You know, when we first met, you were really shy. What happened to that Adam?"

"Uh, I don't know." He scratched his head. "I think he went on vacation." He smiled.

I grinned back. "Don't you have practice, Adam?"

He shrugged. "Not for a while. I could help you with your work if you want. I, unlike some cute freshman, got all of it done."

"Thanks, sweetie, but-" I stopped short when I realized what I had called him. I blushed.

"'Sweetie?' Does this mean you care for me?" He looked at me in pseudo-shock. "I don't believe it."

"You're such a dork." I pushed him away. "Seriously, I gotta go."

"Fine," he said disappointed. "I'll talk to you tomorrow, then." He leaned down and kissed me goodbye. "Seeya."

"Bye," I said and watched him walk toward the rink. I turned around and ran into someone. "Geez, watch where you're going!"

"Lilly, I want you to stay away from Banks." It was my idiot older brother.

"What?" I looked at him in frustration. "I'm sorry, but are you telling me what to do?"

"Yeah, but because I don't trust him. He's no good for you." He looked at me in a somewhat pleadingly manner when I shot him a dirty look. "I mean, ever since you met him, you've dressed different," he gestured to my skirt and baby doll tee, then continued. "You've even treated me and Chris differently. I just don't want him changing you."

"He didn't do those things, I did." I walked past him.

"Lillian, if you love me, please. Stop seeing Adam." I could hear him turn and walk away.

"Sorry, Rickie," I whispered. "I care about him. What do you want me to do? Forget I have a heart?" Then I walked up the library steps and into the brick building.

A/N: I know it's short, but that's the way it goes. I have to get to work now, so I'll write more lata. ~Nelli~