WOW, how funny.. I misspelled Rispah, and no one said anything! I found the mistake though! Teheehee... on to the story... by the by, I do NOT own the Characters my story is based on. I thing I might own them though or they own me- they followed me home one day. Either way, they are unique and special, and Tamora Pierce is splenderiferous! Read on!

Chapter 2. Schooling

As the end spring came along, Elena was getting settled in her classes. Self defense and shooting at dawn until eight thirty, regular school from nine until three, mage classes from three thirty to six thirty, dinner at seven, the rest of the evening for homework from ALL her classes. Slowly, Elena made friends in her mage classes. It was hard for not only was she the only one who didn't want to be there, but she was more powerful than all but one. Jon, the prince, was more powerful than Elena, but not by much. His stamina was nowhere near where hers was either. Somehow though, they became friends. It was hard for them not to get to know each other, being in the same class and all. Tom wasn't in their class, in fact he had so many classes that Elena and her father never really saw him at all.

It was in self defense that Elena met George. He sauntered in like he owned the building. Seeing this made Elena upset. "Conrad, who is that boy to be walking like he owned the place? Someone should teach him some manners. Do I need to?"

"Calm down Elena. That's Rachel's cousin who does, in fact, own the building. He lets me use my rooms rent free. So I let him saunter. I do wonder why he is here. He never comes down at this time. Heck, I'm surprised he's even awake. Oy, George! What's going on? What brings you here?"

"I'm back in town and thought I'd stop by to see how things were going. Also, Rachel told me to tell you that she has a meeting at the obstetrician today. She wanted you to call her if you wanted to tag along."

"Oh, yeah, the baby! I completely forgot! Elena, practice the kicks that we were working on; I have a phone call to make!" With that, Conrad was gone, leaving the good-looking girl with the ruffian.

"So just who are you? How do YOU know Conrad and Rachel?" Accused Elena in mid-kick. "And you interrupted my lesson."

"So sorry about that, oh wait, no, I'm not! I'm Rachel's cousin, and a good friend to both of them. I'm a thief, and rich from it. If you decide to tattle on me little girl, I will find you. And don't you worry about me thieving you- I go out of town for that," replied George. "Close your mouth- you're letting flies in the barn door."

"Woww, a real thief! This is so cool. I swear not to tell on you." With wide green eyes and arm raised in acknowledgement Elena was eager to answer. When Conrad came back, George was holding the pad for Elena to kick, and they were laughing their heads off, just like old friends.

"Elena, you need to go home now. Lucky for you it's Saturday so you don't have school today. You should get a group of friends together and go to the Donner Lake docks (a/n In Cali- basically at Lake Tahoe). I bet that you can think of a few people!"

"Yeah, someone here in Truckee can probably take some time to hang out with little old me. Maybe Jon can come with a few of his friends. That might make things interesting." Elena smiles wryly while saying this to Conrad. George, meanwhile, tried to sneak out during the private conversation. "I don't suppose that you'd like to come George. You could meet the gang. See who I hang out with."

"Well, lass, now that's real kind. What if I took you up on it? I can't this time, but if there is a next time that you decide to grace me with your presence, I will go along with it." George sees the pout forming on Elena's lips and places a finger upon them. "Now really isn't a good time for me lass. Lets go for a hike next Saturday if you want my company that badly."

"Oh, George. Since you won't give your reasons, I can't say anything but, "That sounds great!" So that's what I have to say to that." With that, Elena was gone from the building. Conrad and George say her hop into a green Ford Explorer and drive off.

Elena called Jon and his father picked up the phone. "Sir, is Jon there? This is Elena Olau, from Jon's class. Can I speak to him please?"

"Of course, my dear. He is here and you can talk with him. I'll have you know that I've heard good things about you, child. You and your brother will do great deeds, mark my words. Here is Jon now. Keep up the good work."

"Elena? What are you calling for? Do we have class after all? Did you forget the assignment? What's going on?" Jon frantically asks as soon as the phone is at his ear.

"Jon, calm down... no to all of the above. I'm bored and its hot. I was wondering if you could get a group together to go to the docks. Swimming is optional. If you have any friends that you want to bring along?" Elena is hopeful and fearful at the same time, her thoughts flashing across her face. It was obvious to the pedestrians that the lady was worried if she had shaved that morning, and if she had any horrible tan lines. "So are you coming or not? I'll be ready in twenty minutes, and set up at my family's dock. You know where I live, don't you?"

"Yeah, Gary and Rob will be there with me in twenty minutes at your dock. And of course I know where it is. I own the main directory, don't I?" Elena can hear some whispering in the background and so she asks, "Who is there with you? Who are you talking to?"

"Don't worry about it. Gary and Rob are here and I'm just telling them the plan. We'll bring sun block if you provide food. Ok, that sounds great, we have to get ready now, bye-bye!" Jon hung up before Elena could say Yay or Nay to bringing the food. "Well, guess I need to find the chips and dip in the pantry. I have to rush!"

That's the end of the chapter for now. I can't find motivation to write a sunny, swimming and tanning scene because it is horribly rainy for the past two weeks. Any aid offered is appreciated and taken without a backwards glance! Thank you to people who have reviewed already! It's such a rush to find what people think of what you have to write! Kudos go to:

warrior of tortall: Thanks! I plan on this story becoming long!

Chibisuke: Thanks! I will try to write fast so you can read more!

Hello: I don't know who you are but yes, I know that my story is demented. Not just a little either. This is just the beginning! Mwahahahahaha!!!

Thanks just for reading my work!

Bob