Rachael waited for Rick at the bus stop a few blocks from the school. He caught sight of her as he departed the bus.

"Hi," She waved as she strolled up to him. "Sorry I was late yesterday."

He was still embarrassed from the incident and didn't look her in the eye. "That's alright," He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts as they began walking towards the school. "Thanks again—for yesterday." He finally looked up and caught her eye.

"No problem. You must be strong willed, I mean to take all the stuff they do to you. You're my hero." She gave him a huge grin, as she began to blush.

"A hero huh?" He grinned back.

"Well don't let that go to your head." She laughed as she playfully grabbed his English book from his hand and began to run for the school as he chased after her. They both exchanged laughs.

Rick slowed to a stroll when he saw Emma, who was sitting on a nearby bench hunched over a book. He walked up to her. Rachael stopped at the top of the stairs to watch, his book cupped in her arms.

"Nice glasses." Emma looked over her shoulder, as he walked up.

He gave a sigh and a smile. "There from the sixth grade." He paused with a bit of hesitation. "I uh—I wanted to thank you."

"Well don't," she turned her body, "things got out of hand and I stopped it, it doesn't mean I like you and it doesn't mean we're friends."

He nodded as if expecting that, and he continued walking. But she stopped him once more.

"But—Rick, why did you come back here?" She asked with curiosity.

He hesitated again, "I like it at Degrassi," he shrugged his shoulders, "well I used too. Now it's horrible, but I've changed." He pointed to the school that lay in front of him. "All those people who hate me, I wanna—let them see who I really am, show them how wrong they are." He stared at her wholeheartedly.

"Well," Emma gathered her books and stood up, "they're not interested Rick."

But Rick simply smiled, "They will be—someday."

"Rick." They looked over to find Rachael waving his English book in front of her as she gave a smile.

He laughed and shook his head. "Excuse me; I've got to retrieve my book." He smiled as he ran towards Rachael, who was laughing and turned to run inside with Rick chasing after her once more.

Emma gave a small smile, "Looks like someone already has." She whispered to herself.