An annoying ringing sound jolts me out of my dreams. I groan and hit the snooze button on my alarm clock. I despise mornings. I flop back onto my bed, only to hit my wrist on something hard. "Oww!" I cry in surprise.

"What on earth…?" Tai's voice sounds muffled and tinny.

I pause and glance around my room. "Tai?" Stifled cursing echoes from an unknown source. I look down and notice my telephone. So that's what I hit my hand with. I must have fallen asleep while talking to Tai. That means I didn't get any homework done, shit. I groan and put the phone to my ear. "Hey, Tai."

"Good morning, angel."

"Very cute." I smile idly. "Well, I have to get ready, honey. I'll see you at school."

"See you there."

I briefly debate confessing my love. "Bye," I say softly and hang up. If I'm going to confess, I might as well do so in person. I slowly make my way to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face. I'm falling so behind in school. I really need to focus on my work; that will be easier once Prom is finished.

"Good morning, Sora," my mother greets when I enter the kitchen. "You woke up on time today, I see."

"Yeah, I must have remembered to set my alarm last night." I cast my thought back to the pervious night, but can't remember touching my alarm clock.

"Or, maybe you mother set it for you in the hopes that you would get to school on time."

I grin. "That might have happened too. Thanks Mom."

"Anytime dear." She motions to a bowl of cereal. "I realize that Prom preparations are stressful. Now sit down and eat your breakfast. If you're late despite everything…"

"Don't worry," I interrupt, "I won't be late."

…

Three minutes late, and in trouble. "Thank you for joining us, Sora," Mrs. Johnson snaps.

"I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Johnson." Why does this always happen to me? I left my house early…the first time. And then, I realized I had forgotten my lunch, so I had to run back and get that.

"This is the second time in two days you've been late, Miss Takenouchi," my teacher continues.

"Yes, ma'am," I reply softly. And then I ran into Tai, and he delayed me quite a bit.

"One more late, and you will serve detention on Friday. Is that clear?"

I feel my eyes widen in shock. Detention on Friday? As in the day of the Prom, Friday? That's like sacrilege. I force myself to nod. "I understand, Mrs. Johnson."

"Very good. Take your seat, please."

I thankfully slide into my chair. Mimi sends me a worried glance and places a note on my desk. I unfold the piece of paper and read, 'Detention on Friday! That's it, I'm coming to your house in the morning to get you for the rest of the week.'

I crumple the note and roll my eyes at Mimi. She glares in return and focuses her attention on Mrs. Johnson. Luckily, English is the one class for which I have done the work. I need to buckle down and catch up in all of my other classes. I vaguely hear Andrea babble something about Tess truly loving Alec. Please, what an idiot. She obviously didn't read the book; otherwise she would realize the stupidity of her words.

"Miss Takenouchi," Mrs. Johnson calls.

"Yes?"

"Do you agree with what Andrea just said?"

"No," I state bluntly, "I don't."

Mimi snickers. Mrs. Johnson nods slowly. "And why is that?"

Because Andrea's an idiot, my mind shouts. "Because anyone who has read the book can clearly see that she doesn't love him. I personally thought that stabbing him was a good indication that Tess loathes Alec."

The entire class laughs at Andrea's foolish mistake. Mrs. Johnson smiles and replies, "Excellent work, Sora."

I fight the urge to turn around and stick my tongue out at Andrea. Terribly childish, I know, but can you blame me? I compromise by smirking and murmuring, "Thank-you, Mrs. Johnson."

…

"You were brilliant in English class!" Mimi cries. We slowly push through the hallways in the direction of Study Hall.

"Thank, Memms," I reply.

"I wish I could have seen the look on Andrea's face. That should teach her not to be such a smart ass next time."

"It will also give her more reason to hate me," I point out.

Mimi snorts. "So what? Do you really want a slut like Andrea to like you?"

"Not particularly. I just hope she doesn't try to…" Someone shoves me into the lockers and interrupts my sentence. I glance up in shock, and meet Andrea's vicious, grey eyes.

"You! How dare you…you little. Who do you think…?"

"I'm sorry, I don't speak idiot," I snap impulsively. Andrea slaps me, making me regret my words immediately. I need to start thinking before I speak.

"What did you just say?"

I take a moment to consider. If I repeat myself, Andrea might claw me to death. But, if I stay silent, she may beat me to death. While I'm contemplation this, someone in the hallway screams, "Fight!"

"I asked you a question, Takenouchi," Andrea sneers. She pushes me forcefully into the lockers once again.

"Let her go, Andrea," Mimi commands.

Andrea slowly turns to face my best friend. "I would watch what I say, Takawatchi. After I'm done with Sora, you're next."

Look at that, we have an audience. So very typical of high school. "Back off, Andrea," I murmur.

Andrea's hand snaps back in my direction. "Make me," she whispers dangerously.

I think this girl has been harbouring a lot of hatred towards Mimi and me. I struggle against her grip and am briefly reminded of the incident in September. "Andrea," I begin, "get away from me." I notice someone of authority push their way through the freshmen and sophomores.

Andrea laughs callously, oblivious to the adult behind her. "When I'm finished with you, Takenouchi, you're going to wish you'd never met me."

"I already do," I reply. Once again, my mouth is moving without consent from my brain.

Andrea pulls back her fist and grins. "That's quite enough, Miss Talan," Ms. Alvarez, our principal interrupts. Andrea promptly releases me and spins around in horror.

"Ms. Alvarez," she stammers, "I was just…well, you see…"

"I'm perfectly aware of what you were doing, Miss Talan. You will accompany me to my office." I gently rub my shoulders where Andrea's nails cut into them. Giving into temptation, I stick my tongue out at Andrea's back. "You will also come to my office, Miss Takenouchi," Ms. Alvarez states.

I cease my childish behaviour and glumly follow the Hispanic principal to her office. Andrea continues to plea innocent. "It really wasn't what it looked like, Ms. Alvarez. I can explain everything."

I force myself to remain silent. When we reach the office, Ms. Alvarez faces us and firmly says, "Sora, you wait out here. I will talk to Andrea first, then you. If you have class now, I will give you a note of excuse. Andrea, follow me."

After Ms. Alvarez's door shuts I sink into a chair and ponder my situation. I can't get in trouble, as I didn't do anything. There are at least half a dozen people who saw Andrea shove me into the lockers. I glance at the door once again and pull my Calculus work out of my backpack. Who knows how long this will take; I might was well get some work done. Despite my worries, I force myself to enter the world of complex and non-real numbers.

…

Nearly half an hour later, the door opens and a meek Andrea emerges. Wow, I never thought I'd see Andrea looking scared, humble, or human for that matter. Her slightly bloodshot eyes remain on the ground while she waits for instruction.

"Sora, I wish to speak with you now. Andrea, wait out here. I will accompany you when I am finished with Miss Takenouchi." Ms. Alvarez beckons me into her office and firmly shuts the door. She motions to a chair. "Have a seat, Sora."

I obey and watch the Hispanic woman arrange some papers. She scans several folders and places then on the corner of her desk. I wonder what she said to Andrea. Finally, Ms. Alvarez settles into her chair and begins, "Well, Sora, I received an interesting account of what happened in the hallway from Andrea. I feel it is only fair to give you the same chance."

"I didn't do anything wrong, Ms. Alvarez," I murmur softly. Though my principal is smaller than me in stature, her tone and mannerism always commands respect. "She just came up and shoved me into the lockers for no reason. Not to mention, she threatened me."

"And you did nothing to provoke this?"

"No, of course not." Her gaze causes me to pause and reflect. "Well, we didn't get along back in September. And, I indirectly corrected her in English class. But it's not like I locked her out of the change room without clothes or anything. She just hates me."

Ms. Alvarez nods slowly. "Do you hate her?"

"Well, yes," I reply haltingly.

"I see." The Hispanic principal taps her fingers on her desk for a moment. "You are free to go, Sora. Just try and avoid fights from now on, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am, thank-you."

On my way to my next class, I replay the meeting in my mind. If anything, Ms. Alvarez's words confused me more than Andrea's hatred.

…

"She did what?" Tai shouts.

"Tai, it's okay," I say soothingly. "I'm fine, and I didn't get into any trouble. There's nothing to worry about."

"That girl needs some serious therapy," Tai broods.

"From the rumors I've been hearing, that's exactly what she's getting," Mimi adds.

The three of us turn and gape at Mimi. Joe recovers first. "Are you sure, honey?"

"Yep." Mimi pokes at her limp salad. "I saw her and Ms. Alvarez talking to some woman after Study Hall. I had World Issues with Josh – the army kid who organizes Ms. Alvarez's office – and he overheard her talking to a psychologist."

"Wow," I mutter. Mimi certainly has her connections. She's always one of the first people to know gossip.

"Thank goodness." Tai tightens his grip around my waist. "I was going to take her out for hurting you."

"You would actually hit a girl, Tai?" I ask, with mock surprise.

"Knowing Tai, he'd end up lecturing Andrea," Joe interjects.

"Shut up!" Tai cries.

I know I made the right university choice. I wouldn't be able to survive without these three. They've become a constant in my life – without them, I would be lost. Ick, I sound like a cheesy greeting card.

"Sora? You there?" Mimi calls.

"Huh?" I ask, snapping out of my daydream.

"Tai is asking you what your dress looks like."

"Oh." I turn to my bushy-haired boyfriend. "You'll just have to wait and see."

"Oh come on, Sora," Tai implores. "Give me a hint."

"It's a certain colour and a certain style," I reply ambiguously.

"Helpful." Tai rolls his eyes while Joe snickers.

"Do you two want to go out tonight?" Joe asks Mimi and me.

"I can't," I murmur. "I'm so behind. I need to spend tonight working, or I might fail Grade Twelve."

"Same problem," Mimi adds. "I'm chapters behind in everything."

"Understandable," comes Joe's response.

"Fine," Tai mutters, "but I'm walking you home after school."

…

Tai and I take the long route to my house. The warm, early summer breeze blows my hair away from my face, and causes Tai's hair to look even more adorable. We wander past a jewelry store and I pause to look at the display. A huge, diamond encrusted necklace sits in the centre of the display case. The choker is the same size as my hand. "Look at that necklace," I say to Tai. "It's massive."

Tai whistles softly. "That's a nice chunk of ice."

So romantic, no? "It's far too glitzy, in my opinion. I wouldn't wear something like that. I prefer simple stuff. You know I'm not big on gifts and such." I motion to a display with a gorgeous emerald earring and bracelet set. Tai smiles absently and I point at the set again. "Aren't those earrings pretty, Tai?"

Tai nods distractedly, his eyes glazed. I smile and drag him away from the display case. To be honest, I've been looking at that set for about a month now. It's gorgeous, and I'm hoping Tai picks up on my subtle hints.

We finally reach my house and I say a reluctant good-bye to my boyfriend. Then, I turn my attention to the growing pile of homework on my desk. Okay, time to buckle down and ensure I pass Grade Twelve.

Time until Prom: less than I need.

……………………………………………………………………………………

IMPORTANT: You all many want to take a look at my bio. I have a small note under the heading 'IMPORTANT' which pertains to my stories. It would be beneficial if you all checked that out. Thanks.

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