Irie: Hello ladies and gentlemen. It is I, the one and only Irie. Have you all missed me? I certainly hope so. If you haven't…then the wrath of Lint Land upon you and your ancestors! I'm Irie, gato's muse. She's mentally and physically exhausted, so I have taken over for a while. Mwahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Are you worried yet? You should be. As usual, she only owns the plot and Andrea. Read it up, kids!

The doorbell rings just as I pour myself a bowl of cereal. I can hear water running in the bathroom which means that my mom is taking a shower. The bell rings a second time and I run to the door. An impatient Mimi stands on the other side.

"Are you ready for school?" she demands.

"Of course not," I reply, shocked. "I don't usually leave for another fifteen minutes."

"And then you're always late!" Mimi cries. "You heard Mrs. Johnson, didn't you? Do you want detention on Friday?"

"Well, no, but…"

"Then let's go!"

"Mimi, I haven't even had breakfast yet!" I protest.

She sighs heavily. "Fine, but hurry up! We're leaving in five minutes." Mimi removes her shoes and enters my kitchen.

I laugh softly at her dedication. "Mimi, don't worry about it. I'll…"

"You have four and a half minutes to finish your breakfast. Let's go, please."

I shake my head. "Yes, ma'am."

I quickly eat my bowl of cereal while Mimi counts down the time in increments of thirty seconds.

"Time's up!" she announces loudly, handing me my back pack and shoving me towards the door. "Let's go, Sora."

"Okay, I'm coming." I hastily slip on my shoes and follow Mimi to school.

…

"I can't believe you actually came to get me," I say as we slip into our seats, fifteen minutes before the bell.

"You would have been late otherwise," Mimi states firmly.

"You don't know that!" I protest.

"Sora, I've known you forever. You're always late."

Well, I can't honestly argue with that. I'm not always late, but the majority of the time, I'm behind schedule. I place my English books on my desk and turn to Mimi. She's currently bent over her desk, her dark hair hiding her work. "What are you working on, Meems?"

"World Issues," she replies without moving. "I need to have an essay outline done for Friday. Did you finish all of your homework?"

"Almost," I lie. I still have so much work to do, and I worked for about seven hours last night. I grudgingly take my French out of my bag and begin to translate complex sentences. I hate languages almost as much as Andrea hates me and Mimi.

Other students file into the classroom. "Wow," someone cries, "I can't believe Sora's actually here on time!"

I glance up and meet Jasmine's eyes. She smiles kindly and I stick my tongue out at the raven-haired girl. She's been in my homeroom for three years, and always jokes about my tardiness. Honestly, being late is the only reason I get detention. "Very funny, Jas."

"I thought so," she calls and slides into her seat at the back of the class. She's cursed with having to sit beside Andrea. Speaking of which, that little slut isn't here yet. Strange. I wonder where she is.

"Andrea isn't here," Mimi whispers as Mrs. Johnson takes attendance.

"I know," I reply quietly. "That's really strange. Maybe she is getting counseling."

Mimi snorts. "She needs it more than any other person I've met. And that includes you."

"Oh, funny," I say sarcastically.

"Sora and Mimi, would you like to share your little secret with the class?"

The class goes silent. I slowly look up and see Mrs. Johnson, angry and impatient, tapping her sleek black shoes on the linoleum.

"Sure, Mrs. Johnson," Mimi begins. I glance at me friend with worry, but she ignores me. "We were merely discussing the fact that Andrea needs some psychiatric help."

I can't believe she actually said that. The class remains silent, though some shake with repressed mirth. I gape in shock and utter terror while Mimi grins innocently. I wait for some sort of horrid punishment. Mrs. Johnson merely shakes her head and continues with the attendance.

…

"Why on earth would you say that?" I ask Mimi as soon as English finishes.

"Oh, come on. It's not like I started a rumor or anything. Everyone already knows that she's in counseling, even the teachers."

"Well of course the teachers know," I say, still stunned by my friend's bold comment. "We could have gotten in so much trouble, you know."

Mimi pauses. "I didn't really think about that."

I snicker. "You're crazy, Meems."

"That's what makes life interesting!"

…

The rest of the day passes without incident. I actually worked during Study Hall. Trust me, it's a rare occurrence. Even more surprising, Tai worked during Study Hall. He's the main reason I procrastinate in that class, but he buckled down and studied. I think the entire room stopped working and gaped when he sat down with a textbook. Mouths hit the floor when he opened it and started reading. It was pretty funny. I guess I'm not the only one who is behind in school.

I trudge into my last period class: French. Mademoiselle LaRose writes a new grammar concept on the board and I write feverishly in an effort to keep up with the notes. I wish I wasn't here.

"Ms. Sora Takenouchi, please report to the main office," a tinny voice calls over the intercom.

I frown and slowly gather my books. I have to be more careful about the wishes I make. On the way to Mrs. Alvarez's office, I try to think of anything I did that could get me into trouble. I doubt Mimi's comment would have taken so long to reach Mrs. Alvarez's ears. What on earth is this about?

"Hello, Miss Takenouchi," the secretary greets. I grin tightly in reply. "Mrs. Alvarez is waiting for you in her office. Go on in."

"Good afternoon, Sora," Mrs. Alvarez says as I open the door.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Alvarez," I reply. A tall, thin woman stands near my principal. Her black hair is pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck.

"This is Ms. Crayton. She is a psychiatrist at the institution where Andrea will be spending some time. She wants to talk to you about your rivalry with Andrea."

"Oh," I say, surprised. "Of course."

"Very good. I'll leave the two of you to talk." The Hispanic woman makes her way to the door, then pauses. "And Sora, this meeting is private. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from telling anyone about this, do you understand?"

"Yes, Mrs. Alvarez. I understand."

As soon as the door closes, Ms. Crayton turns her attention to me. "Sit down, please, Miss Takenouchi."

I obey and ask, "Please, what's the matter with Andrea?"

"I'm not at liberty to discuss that. I'm surprised that you seem worried about her." Her cool, blue eyes watch me closely.

I wasn't really worried; I just wanted to know what her defect was so that I could make fun of her. I guess Ms. Crayton figured that part out. "Well, she is a human being, or so I'm told."

Ms. Crayton smiles. "I see your principal wasn't lying about the animosity between the two of you."

"She hates me, I hate her. It's a lovely circle of hate."

She writes something in her notebook. "Would you mind telling me where this hatred began?"

Oh, this is going to take a while.

…

Over an hour later, I leave the office and collide with Mimi.

"Where have you been? You missed all of French, not to mention the ball rang ten minutes ago," she says quickly.

"Well, I'm not technically supposed to tell you," I reply slyly.

"Oh really?" She raises an eyebrow incredulously.

"I'll fill you in on the way home," I say with a grin.

"I though as much. Make sure you bring your French books. We have a composition due Friday."

"What?" I cry. "I hate teachers. This is ridiculous."

"It's a group composition," Mimi continues, ignoring my outburst. "And you're my partner. We can get it done tonight after we pick up the boutonnières."

"Oh, damn. I completely forgot about those."

"Well, then it's a good thing we paid before hand," Mimi states bluntly. "Now let's go. The flower store closes in forty minutes."

…

After a lovely trip to the flower store (I never want to see a carnation again), Mimi and I arrive at my house. "And that is why I missed French," I conclude.

"She's probably in for anger management," Mimi muses.

I flop onto my couch. "I hate homework."

"Up you get," Mimi commands. "We have to get this done quickly. I have tons of other work to do."

I study my friend closely. "What is up with you today? How do you have so much energy?"

Mimi grins. "I've become addicted to coffee."

I shake my head as Mimi reels off ideas for our composition. There are times when I worry about the mental health of my dear friend.

…

"Done!" Mimi cries happily.

"Wow, that only took an hour," I say, studying my composition closely. It looks right. I notice Mimi's hands shake slightly as she moves to pick up her pen. "How much coffee have you had, Mimi?"

"Six or seven cups."

"Mimi!" I reprimand sharply.

"It's fine," she says soothingly. "I'll stop drinking it once Prom is finished. I just need it to survive the next couple days."

Mimi leaves soon after, and I attempt to stare down a pile of homework. The homework is winning.

…

Thursday.

I glance at the clock; Mimi was here at this time yesterday. Instinctively, I open the door before Mimi can ring the bell.

"Ready for school?" she asks happily.

"Almost," I reply. "How much coffee have you had today?"

"Only two cups." She smirks saucily. I think she's lying.

"Give me three minutes. I'm just going to put my bowl in the dishwasher." I run into the kitchen and clean up my breakfast. While putting on my shoes, I hastily yell, "Bye Mom!"

"Bye, honey. Have a good day."

I shoulder my backpack as Mimi pulls me from the house.

…

"Guess what tomorrow is," Mimi bubbles.

"Prom?" I ask sarcastically. As if I could forget.

"And, our anniversaries!" she cries.

"You're cut off from coffee."

"This isn't just coffee," Mimi says giddily. "I also had jellybeans."

"Mimi," I groan, "it's eight in the morning. What were you thinking?"

She shrugs and snickers. Great, Mimi on a coffee and sugar buzz. Lovely.

"Sora!"

"Mimi!"

We turn toward the familiar voices. Tai unexpectedly spins me around in greeting. "Good morning to you too, Tai," I say.

Mimi places a kiss on Joe's cheek and interlaces their finger. Looks like its going to be a pretty good day.

…

Mimi slowly chews a miniscule piece of Thursday Mystery Meat. We watch, waiting for her verdict. She swallows and quickly takes a sip of grape juice.

"Well?" Joe asks.

"It isn't turkey," she says slowly, poking the pasty substance. "I think it might be a combination of veal and beef."

I sniff the strange lump of food and take a microscopic bite. "God, that's disgusting," I murmur. "Thank goodness I brought a sandwich today."

"And I have more jellybeans!" Mimi giggles.

"No!" we shout.

Mimi's been insane all day. Honestly, she tripped over air and fell through the door into European History. Clumsiness like that is my job.

"Sor, what colour is your dress?" Tai asks again.

"I'm not…"

"It's not a colour; it's a shade," Mimi interrupts.

Everyone groans.

…

I return home with the hope of getting to bed early.

"Hello, Sora," my mother greets.

"Mom," I say, gaping. "What are you doing home?"

"Remember how that American company wants us to expand? Well, they've sent some helpers who are taking care of the store tonight and tomorrow."

"That's great, Mom."

"Yes." She fixes me with her gaze. She wants to discuss something important, I can tell. "So, honey, what have you decided about university?"

"Oh, I want to stay here."

"Really?"

"Yes," I say slowly, barely convincing myself.

"As long as you're sure that's what you want. You still have a week to accept Queens."

"I know."

"Well," my mother continues with a grin, "I'm sure you'll be happy whatever you choose. Oh, and you got this acceptance letter today."

She hands me a thick package. I hastily tear apart the envelope; confetti spills onto the kitchen table. The letterhead bears the Santher University logo. It's one of the best universities in Japan. I've heard that it rivals Queens. "I got into Santher," I whisper.

"I knew you would, honey," my mom gushes.

…

I slowly climb into bed around eleven. This is honestly the earliest I've gone to bed in weeks. I flop down and hit my back on something solid. Cursing, I grab the phone from amid my sheets and place it on my desk.

University questions rave in my mind as I try to fall asleep. I try counting sheep. Thoughts are still playing tag.

I try reading. That only makes me wonder what subject will be my major.

I picture a soothing river. Hmmm, that reminds me: I'm thirsty.

God, this isn't working! I need sleep or I might die from exhaustion. What usually makes me relax? Oh, I know. Tai's face appears in my imagination as I slowly succumb to my fatigue.

Irie: Okay, she left instructions that I'm supposed to read, but they're so boring. They say something about the Prom being in the next chapter…Obviously that's unimportant. So, I'll spice this up a bit: next chapter, Sora and Tai will be faced by a raving red and orange chicken. Meanwhile, Mimi has decided to face her fears and is wrangling the bubble bulls. Stay tuned!

Reviewer Response…Irie style…

TO Musashibf: Hellooooooooooooo! School is stressful? Really? I wouldn't know. I think running two different worlds is more stressful, so ha! A blue key for you as thanks for reviewing.

TO Steve-Racer: You can't tell me what to do with my story. They're my ideas! Mine. Well, I guess they're gato's too, but I come up with most of them. A green party hat for you.

TO SoratoFan: Ummm, no offence, but what in the name of all things colourful did your review mean? It didn't make any sense, so whatever. A pink, broken whistle for you.

TO KaguyaEvenstar: Did I spell that right? Who knows! Anyhow, Andrea is trouble, isn't she? I think she's crazy, just like me! You get a deflated, purple water balloon…those are super special.

TO digimon-Taiora: Well, she's baaaaaaaaack! And, so am I. We finished two stories for the other website, so we came back! Party! A silver thermos for you!

Irie: Good bye, children. REMEMBER TO READ AND REVIEW!