Things seem to move in slow motion as I look around the small group. My eyes move from the shocked expression on Mimi's face to Joe's frighteningly somber look. I let my gaze run this course several times before I finally look at Tai. He also surveys the situation with a terribly sexy…er, I mean, annoying…serious face. Crap, this is not going to end well. I wonder if anyone else has noticed the tense silence hovering in the air. I literally feel that if I move, something will shatter.

Mimi attempts to form a word, but it results in a mere squeak. That sound startles everyone from their individual thoughts. Joe clears his throat says, "Would you like to start off this conversation, Mimi, or should I?"

"I…I don't…Andrea must have followed me to the drug store and…" Mimi trails off, her face pale.

"Why don't we talk about this privately?" Joe asks, sending a look in my direction. Oh, that was entirely unnecessary.

"I really doesn't matter, Joe, seeing as Mimi will tell me everything, and you'll probably tell Tai," I snap. I feel my lips being to curve into a smile at Joe's expression.

"Sora, why don't you and I go somewhere else and talk," Tai suggests.

"Because we have nothing to talk about," I reply curtly. Mimi still seems unable to form a sentence and continues to gape.

Joe shakes his head and turns his attention to his girlfriend. "When were you going to tell me?"

"Tell you what?" Mimi manages to choke. I wince; definitely not the right thing to say.

Joe inhales slowly and continues, "Tell me that you we're pregnant, and by another guy at that. Where you going to introduce me to your other boyfriend after graduation or just let me come to my own realizations once you started showing? I can't believe that you would keep this from me and just string me alo…"

"What are you talking about?" Mimi interrupts, finally regaining her speech. I have to say, I'm having a pretty hard time following Joe. What other guy? I glance at Tai briefly, but he remains expressionless.

"Don't treat me like I'm stupid, Mimi. I am aware of how babies are made."

"Joe," she begins slowly, "there is no other guy. I'm not cheating on you!"

"Then how the hell are you pregnant! We've never," he suddenly lowers his voice, "you know…done it."

"I'm not pregnant!" Mimi returns loudly.

"What?" Joe demands, obviously baffled. He studies Mimi's face, searching for a falter in her serious expression. I will bet a million dollars that Mimi's next sentence will have something to do with Joe believing Andrea and jumping to conclusion.

"I'm not pregnant," she repeats slowly. Suddenly she shouts, "I don't believe you! You jumped to conclusions due to Andrea's posters! You believed those stupid pieces of paper without even consulting me! Don't you trust me at all?"

I win a million dollars.

"I…I…" Joe now seems to suffer from an inability to speak cohesively. It must be catching.

"Say something," Mimi demands calmly. This is definitely not a good week for relationships. I wonder if anyone else is having this much trouble.

"But then how did Andrea get those pictures of you? You did admit to being at the drug store!"

"I thought I might have been pregnant, Joe. I'm late…very late, and after Kristen's pool party…well, I just thought I should check, so I bought a test. It came back negative, which means I'm not pregnant and not cheating on you."

Joe remains silent for a moment, and finally murmurs, "Oh. I'm so sorry, Mimi. I was just so scared. I love you, and I thought I had lost you."

Mimi's face relaxes into its usual smile. "It has always been you, Joe. It always will be."

As the two continue their lovely make-up session, I slip out of the stairwell and toward my homeroom. I think I got out without Tai noticing.

"Sora!"

Never mind. Apparently, he notices everything, as long as it isn't relationship related.

"I'm going to be late, Taichi," I say thinly.

"No you aren't. The bell doesn't ring for another five minutes. Now, will you just stop and listen to me for a minute?"

"Alright," I say, turning to face my ex. "You have thirty seconds. Go."

"Okay." Tai exhales slowly and fixes his gaze on me. "Sora, this is insane! I miss you. You didn't even give me a chance to defend myself the other day, and I really want to. I realize that I screwed up, but you haven't exactly made this relationship perfect either."

"I beg your pardon?" I demand icily. He really does not want to go down this path with me. Not today; not ever.

"I mean, I just figured that our relationship would be more involved."

"Involved? What the hell does that mean?"

"I mean that you would have put more effort into it. I was always the one calling you and arranging things…"

"That's bullshit!" I cry viciously. Several people in the hallway stop and watch. Tai seems oblivious, which is nothing new.

"Think about it, Sora!"

"I have, Taichi! I've thought about our relationship more in the past few days that you probably did in the entire nine months. I put just as much into our relationship if not more. Just in case you forgot, which you tend to do very often, I was the one who bought you an anniversary gift."

The crowd watching us has increased in size. I roll my eyes at the stupidity of human nature.

"Think about his for a second, Sora," he insists. "You are dumping me over a gift which you said you didn't want!"

"I never said that!" I shout. Our spectators begin to whisper loudly.

"It's still ridiculous that you are dumping me over a gift!"

"Tai," I say slowly, "I explained everything to you already, and I refuse to do it again. The simple thing is that I fell in love with you and it wasn't reciprocated. I was tired of giving unrequited love, so I decided not to do so. The end."

I turn abruptly and shove through several sophomores. Well, that lovely conversation lasted far longer than the thirty seconds I allotted. Damn Taichi.

…

The gossips hover around me for the rest of the day. Luckily, my public fight with Tai distracts everyone from Mimi's slight embarrassment. I met her by her locker before lunch and suggest we eat outside. She agrees and we head out into the soft sunlight.

"So, from that lovesick smile, I'm guessing you and Joe are back on good terms," I quip.

Mimi smiles dreamily and sighs, "That's putting it mildly. I think this fight is what we needed to realize how much we actually love each other."

"If I hadn't witnessed the fight, your comment would have sounded very strange."

She nods slowly, and I can tell she's contemplating something. It's probably about my non-existent relationship with Tai. Damn. I was hoping I could get through five minutes without someone reminding me about that ass.

"Maybe the same thing will happen for you and Tai," she suggests mildly.

I snort. How very lady-like.

"I sincerely doubt that, Mimi. It seems that Tai and I are over forever."

"You never know," Mimi muses. "Stranger things have happened."

"Yeah, like you passing Biology."

"I resent that."

"Look, don't worry about me and Tai. Things weren't meant to be between us, and it unfortunately took us nine months to figure that out."

"Are you sure? Are you completely sure things weren't meant to be? I mean, what if you're throwing away your true love over one fight?"

"Then my life sucks," I say bluntly.

"Sora…"

"I have no idea, Mimi," I sigh. "I wish I was certain that Tai and I aren't meant to be, but I'm not. I guess things will just have to take their course."

"That's not a very good approach."

"It's been working so far."

"Has it really?" Mimi demands.

"I like to think so."

"Well, we graduate soon, so you're going to have to be sure."

"I know," I sigh. "Speaking of which, don't we have a rehearsal or something tomorrow after school?"

"Yeah, and then a good-bye day on Wednesday, the real thing on Thursday…and then we're done!"

"Yeah, and then we're thrown out into the real world. Crazy, isn't it?"

…

The final bell rings and I carefully pick which books to take home today. I figure that if I slowly empty my incredibly cluttered locker, I should finish sometime before next July.

"Hello, Sora."

Oh for the love of…why can't he just leave me alone?

"Taichi."

"Sora, I know I was out of line today in the hallway, but what I said is true. I do miss you, and I think we should give us another try."

I sigh and slowly face his expressive brown eyes. My full backpack is less of a burden than the emotional pressure in my chest.

"Tai, its over, okay? I'm going to Queens University. I leave for Canada the day after graduation. I'm sorry, but it is over."

The shock on his face brings bubbling guilt to the surface and I quickly step around him and out of the school. Damn it. Damn damn damn. This wasn't supposed to be so difficult.

…

This rehearsal is entirely insane. No one really cares to follow the instructions our homeroom teachers shout. I think we're suppose to stand in alphabetical order, but its difficult to hear anything over the incessant talking. Not that I'm really trying to listen. I listen to Andrew describe the details of the grad after party he plans to host.

"My parents are totally cool with everything, including the drinking. We've been decorating and planning for days. People can go swimming or just chill, and there's even karaoke."

"I can't believe your parents are okay with everything," Mimi says admiringly.

"I don't think they would be if it wasn't my grad," he says truthfully.

"Still, it's wicked that you're having this party, Andy," I call over the din.

"Yeah, and people are totally allowed to stay the night if they want," Andrew replies with a suggestive smirk.

I blink, not entirely sure that I heard him correctly. News about our break-up traveled pretty damn fast.

"Wanna repeat that, Andrew?" I suggest.

"I said that you are totally invited to say the night!" he calls, just as everyone else falls silent. Giggles echo in through the gym as Andrew hesitantly turns to face the front.

"That's very kind of you, Andrew," says Ms. Alvarez, "and I sincerely hope that you are extending that offer to everyone attending your party."

"Yes ma'am," he mutters soberly, his face the colour of a beet.

"Very nice. Now, I would like all of you in alphabetical order according to your last names. In order to make this much simpler for everyone involved, you teachers will read off the order. Start at the right side of the stage and work toward the left. Does everyone understand?"

A muttered 'yes' rolls through the crowd.

"Aberty, Brynne," a teacher calls. Oh, its going to be a long time before they get to me.

"Looks like Andrew has a bit of a crush on you," Mimi whispers.

"Yeah, and a pretty stupid way of flirting," I reply.

"Also looked like Tai wanted to strangle him," Mimi hisses through laughter.

"Really?" I glance at Tai who just stepped onto the stage. His expression remains neutral and I shrug.

"Did you want him to be jealous?" Mimi asks.

"I don't care how he feels." That was the stupidest lie I've ever told, and I'm pretty sure Mimi saw through the idiocy of my words.

"Of course you don't."

"Takawathi, Mimi," someone calls. Mimi glides onto the stage with a bored expression.

"Takenouchi, Sora," the same monotonous voice summons.

Score, I'm beside Mimi. At least I'll have someone to talk to during the long, boring ceremony on Thursday. On the subject of talking to people, Tai hasn't even said hello to me since yesterday afternoon. It doesn't matter, of course, I just thought you'd like to know.

…

I honestly don't see a point to coming to school today. I mean, all I'm going to do is pass around my yearbook and say farewell to people who have done nothing but discuss my love life. Fantastic. We don't even have school tomorrow because they figure we need an entire day to get ready for grad. I can't even be bothered to do anything super with my hair. I'm going to curl it and that's final. Even Mimi says she can't be bothered to make a hair appointment. She's leaving her hair in its natural waves. I wish my hair was naturally something, other than obnoxious that is.

"Sora, will you sign this?" someone asks, shoving a yearbook into my hands. I force my eyes to focus on the person before me. The first thing I notice is dark curly hair and tanned skin.

"Sure thing, Cat." I take the thick, glossy book and scribble a stupid note followed by my signature.

"Are you going to Andrew's tomorrow?"

"Yeah," I reply, handing back the book. "Isn't everyone?"

"I know that a couple of people can't come cause they're leaving for university early the next day. But, I think almost everyone is going. It should be a good party."

"Where are you going to school, Cat?"

"Spain."

I gape at the curvy Hispanic girl. I mean, I always knew she was Spanish, but I never expected her to up and go to Spain for university. She's been at school with Mimi and me for years. I can't believe she's going so far away. And she seems so confident.

"Wow, that's really far. What are you studying?"

"Cooking," she says nonchalantly. "There's a branch of Cordon Bleu in Spain, and it was easier to talk my parents to sending me somewhere that I have family."

"Aren't you scared?" The question leaves my mouth before I can even think about it. I may have known Cat forever, but we're not all that close.

She considers and slowly responds, "Yes. I'm leaving behind everything I've ever known and starting a completely new life. But, at the same time, I'm doing exactly what I want, and in the end, it's my life. I can't let fear of the unknown dictate my decisions."

"Did you read that in an inspirational book or something?" I demand bluntly.

Cat laughs softly. "It sounds corny, I know. But hey, it makes my feel better about leaving."

Leaving, huh? There seems to be a lot of that going around. Mimi got into Santher, and both she and Joe are heading there. I have no idea where Tai is going, mainly because he treats me like wallpaper. Disdainful wallpaper. And, I'm heading off the Queens University. In Canada. I wish I had an inspirational book or someone like Cat to talk me through the next couple days.

…

"Sora!" Mimi pulls me into a tight hug. I think my lungs just imploded.

"Can't…breathe…" I gasp.

"Don't exaggerate," Mimi commands, though she lessens her grip slightly. "We graduate tomorrow! Can you believe that?"

"No," comes my honest reply.

"We have to do something tonight. Let's go for dinner!"

"You aren't doing anything with Joe?" I query.

Mimi releases me and snickers. "I'm going to see Joe basically every day for the next year. You are my best friend, and you're leaving for Canada in a matter of days. What do you think takes priority?"

"Judging by the bone crushing hug I just received, I'll say me."

"Damn right!" Mimi nods forcefully and shoves me weighted backpack into my arms. "Holy crap, Sora. What the hell is in here?"

"Everything that was once in my locker. Look." I pull open my locker and we both stare appreciatively into its rusty bareness.

"To be honest, I didn't think you were ever going to be able to empty that thing."

"Neither did I, Meems. Neither did I." I shoulder my two ton pack and for the last time, follow my best friend out of Bernerd-Holday High School.

…

"Okay, a little bit more hairspray, and you'll be done," my mother says. I hear the hiss of the aerosol can and feel the sticky vapour on my neck. My mother wordlessly hands me a mirror and I admire my new curls.

"They look great, Mom."

"Oh, Sora, I can't believe you're graduating," she says, tears evident in her voice. I feel my own eyes burn in response to her comment. I expected her to be emotional, but I never imagined that I would be upset as well. I force a yawn in an attempt to ward off any tears.

"Th-thanks for doing my hair mom." I manage to keep my voice relatively natural. "Could you help me with my make-up after I get dressed?"

"Oh course, honey," she chokes.

To avoid dissolving into tears with my mother, I slip out from the bathroom and carefully pull on my new forest green skirt and sparkly white top. I don't know why I'm so upset. This is what I wanted, isn't it? I slowly re-enter the bathroom, and thankfully, my mother has composed herself again.

"I ready for make-up. Just not too much, okay mom?"

"Would I ever put too much make-up on you, Sora?"

"No, you aren't Mimi after all."

My mom laughs and approaches me with foundation.

…

I slowly ease the black graduation gown over my perfect curls. I want my hair to look like this everyday. Too bad I'm far too lazy to spend more that ten minutes on my hair. My mother observes me with a smile.

"You look so grown up, Sora."

In contradiction to her words, I feel roughly seven years old. Something about this entire ceremony highlights my immaturity rather than progress I've made. Oh well.

"Sora, your hair looks so pretty!"

"Hi, Mimi," I greet before turning to see my raven haired friend. "So does yours, for the record."

She merely shrugs and flips a bit over her shoulder. Mrs. Takawatchi turns to my mother and the engage in a deep conversation. I'm pretty sure I can hear the word 'little girl' and 'crying'. Great. Well, at least they aren't taking pictures.

"Sora, Mimi, get together for a picture!" Mrs. Takawatchi commands.

Damn it. I just had to think it, didn't I?

Ten pictures and excessive amounts of flash later, Mimi and I stumble onto the stage and take our seats. Ms. Alvarez takes her place at the podium and instant silence sweeps over the room. Huh, apparently she can intimidate parents and students. That's quite a skill.

"Good evening and welcome to the graduation of the class of 2005! I would like to personally thank all of you for coming and sharing in this special night. I had the privilege of speaking with some of the family members, and I know that some of you came from very far. Once again, I thank you. I know that for all of you, whether you sit on the stage or watch, this is an incredibly emotional night. This evening marks the end of an era, and the beginning of a journey into the 'real world.' I do not doubt that each of these students before you will achieve incredible heights. They will go farther and break more boundaries than any class before them. They truly formed a family, and this night marks the severing of those intensely close ties. I just hope that you all remember one thing, my dear grads. No matter how far you go or how famous you become, the friends you made these past years will indeed be your family. Never fear to come home to them, to laugh, cry, and reminisce with them. By handing you these diplomas, I give you a more than an important piece of paper. I give you memories, and I give you future. This is your time, the beginning of your lives. May nothing hinder you in your pursuit for happiness. And, may you always find joy and solace in you fellow classmates. From all of the staff to you, congratulations."

Mimi hiccoughs beside me, and I can feel hot tears trickling down my cheeks. Thank god I let Mom put waterproof mascara on me. I hastily wipe my eyes as Ms. Alvarez begins calling names. I think even she got a bit choked up, and that says something. Mimi leans her head on my shoulder as she attempts to stem her tears.

"What Alvarez said is true, Meems. We are like family," I whisper.

"Friends forever," Mimi chokes.

"Taichi Kamiya," Ms. Alvarez summons.

I feel a sob form in my throat as my ex-boyfriend strides proudly to accept his diploma. I can't even cheer for him, right? I mean, that would look so stupid. I stare at my hands (which are slowly moving to start a clap despite my command to remain still) until Tai returns to his seat.

"Joe Kido."

Mimi screeches loudly for her boyfriend, and I add a small cat call to the fray. Well, at least I can cheer for someone.

The names continue down the line, each person receiving their portion of cheers and blinding flash photography. I cheer wildly for Cat, who, if possible, is looking even more Spanish than usual. She blows a kiss into the audience as her way back to her seat. Despite my sorrow, I laugh at the crowd's reaction.

"Mimi Takawatchi."

I screech, catcall and applaud loudly as my best friend accepts her diploma, smiles broadly at her parents and returns. She hugs me quickly, and I hear, "Sora Takenouchi."

I manage to stumble over a chair on my way to the podium, much to the enjoyment of the audience. I take my diploma and receive a firm handshake from Ms. Alvarez. Before returning to my seat, I pause and switch my tassel to the other side of my hat. My mother applauds loudly.

Luckily, I'm close to the end of the alphabet, so I don't have to wait long before we finish. In what honestly feels like seconds, Ms. Alvarez calls, "Ladies and gentlemen, the class of 2005!"

I stand with the rest of the class and toss my hat into the air. Hundreds of flashbulbs go off as I throw my arms around Mimi, Joe, Cat, and Mimi again. The hats fall to the ground and we leave the hall, forever closing the doors to high school.

…

A couple hours later, Mimi and I wander into Andrew's party. It looks like most of our class has arrived already. Black Eyed Peas blast from a large speaker and my classmates sway, gyrate and grind to the rhythm. I notice Tai near the edge of the dance floor, and absently grab a shot of something green from a nearby table. I wince at the sharp taste and familiar burn in my throat then follow Mimi onto the dance floor. This is most definitely a good party. I notice Cat dancing with an attractive Italian boy. Good one, Cat.

A pair of hands grab my waist and spin me around sharply. I'm prepared for Tai, Matt, even Andrea, but responses die as I look into Andrew's vibrant green eyes.

"Uh…hi, Andrew," I manage.

"Hey Sora." He smirks, his hands still on my waist. "You look very pretty."

"Er…thanks Andrew. Great party."

Beside me, Mimi has dissolved into fits of hysterical laughter. Some help she is; remind me to find a friend who will do something other than laugh in these situations.

"Why don't we dance?" Andrew suggests.

"Well…" I begin, but am quickly interrupted my Andrew pulling me closer. I scan the room, and notice (beside Mimi's hysterics) Tai dancing with someone. If he can have fun, so can I. I grin tersely and allow myself to succumb to the pulsing rhythm while still monitoring where Andrew's hands are roving. Mimi's found Joe, and the two are wrapped around each other several inches away. Looks like everyone is having fun. I'm so glad that I got to go to one more party with my class. Even dancing with Andrew has been good.

After several songs, someone switches the music from DJ to Karaoke. I pull away from Andrew.

"Thanks for the dances, Andrew," I say, a large grin on my face.

"Anytime, Sora. Thank-you."

I carefully work my way over to the refreshment tables while two very drunk girls butcher 'I Love Rock and Roll'.

The food spread over the white clothed tables ranges from pizza bagels to sushi. I notice a pie in one corner and my mouth twitches as I recall the dance in September. I fight the temptation to overturn a pie on Tai's head by grabbing a handful of chips.

The song echoing through the room becomes slow and very familiar. I chew a chip slowly and nearly choke on it when I see Tai take the microphone. As the instrumental continues, he says deeply, "This song is dedicated to one specific girl. I sincerely hope that she knows who she is. I've never been very good at expressing my emotions, but I hope that someone else's words will help me along."

I (and everyone else in the room) finally recognize the song as 'Have I Told you Lately that I Love You' by Rod Stewart. My chips fall to the floor, a forgotten, crumbled mess. Most of the class is staring between Tai and me as his strong, beautiful voice carries the lyrics throughout the room. Once people realize that I'm not going to run up to the stage and pounce on Tai, the split into couples and dance.

I try several times to leave the room, but Tai has literally pinned me with his voice and his gaze. You know, I always did tell him that he has an amazing voice. Despite my minds constant commands to run, I slowly walk toward the stage. Couples move aside as I continue my approach. The song slowly ends, and I meet Tai's gaze for an eternity. Or, possibly, a fraction of a second. I really couldn't tell you which. My brain suddenly regains control over my body and I dart from the room as five or six girls attempt to recreate a Spice Girls song.

On the patio, fairy lights sparkle through the trees and cast a magical glow on the frosted glass tables and chairs. I assume they're here incase people are bored of dancing and such. Judging by the show Tai and I just gave inside though, I doubt too many people will be outside anytime soon. The jerks are probably waiting for and encore.

Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Why the hell did he have to do that now? Why couldn't he have dedicated a beautiful song to me a couple of weeks ago? Why now, now that I'm leaving for Canada?

"Sora!" Mimi cries, running out onto the glittering patio. "Are you alright?"

"Why did he do it, Mimi?" I demand softly.

"He loves you, Sora," she says gently.

"But why did he have to take so long to realize it? Now I'm leaving, but he loves me." My voice cracks and I sink into a chair.

"Oh, Sora. If love was easy, people wouldn't write songs, books and poems about it. If love was easy, it wouldn't be love."

"What am I supposed to do now?" I ask.

"Are you willing to change all of your plans?" Mimi questions bluntly. I laugh at her ability to be realistic in all situations.

"No," I say slowly and doubtfully.

"Then just ignore the song and him. Don't let it ruin your last night with everyone. Come on, let's see if we can convince someone to pie Andrea."

"Why do we need to convince someone?" I ask with a grin. "I'll do it willingly."

"Oh, I know that," Mimi agrees, "but I think it would be funnier to get some drunk jock to do it."

"Oh, good plan."

I take Mimi's arm and we saunter back into the party, our cruel plan revolving in our minds.

"Hey, what about Matt?" Mimi suggests.

"Matt? Are you joking?" I say.

"No. He's pissed drunk. I mean, just look, he's singing Backstreet Boys on the karaoke machine."

"I don't have to look," I say, shuddering. "I can hear him just fine."

"So, Matt?"

"Oh yes," I reply with a devilish grin.

We wait by the refreshment area for Matt to finish his…interesting rendition of 'Backstreet's Back.' He wanders over and leers at Mimi and me. I take my cure from his disgusting expression.

"No way, Mimi," I begin loudly. "Matt's way too much of a chicken. I don't believe he could ever do that."

"He's not that big of a chicken," Mimi retaliates. "Maybe if we just ask him…"

"Oh please," I interrupt. "He'll never say yes. He's too scared."

"I am not!" Matt shouts. Mimi and I exchange smirks.

"Told you so, Sora," Mimi drawls.

"I'll believe it when I see it. I still don't think he's brave enough to pie Andrea."

Matt snorts loudly and picks up the nearest pie. "I'll show you, wench," he slurs. Mimi and I giggle as he disappears into the crowd. Several seconds later, a familiar shriek resounds through the large room. Mimi and I bolt to the other side of the room, failing in our attempts to stifle hysterical laughter. Andrea storms out of the room smeared in peaches and bits of crust. Oh man, that made my night perfect.

…

Oh crap. I have to leave for the airport in five minutes and I am nowhere near ready. As my mother watches disapprovingly, I shove several toiletries into a bag and fling clothes into another.

"Ready!" I call.

"Are you going to be able to find anything when you get to Canada?" my mom asks mildly.

"Of course I will. Its…organized chaos. I know where everything is," I lie blatantly.

"Of course it is, Sora," my mother responds. "And I'm a professional model."

"You sarcasm is not appreciated. Kind words of wisdom would be much better."

"Sorry darling," she says with a smile. "Now let's go. You have a plane to catch."

I pick up my bags and follow my mother to the car. She actually took the day off work to see me off at the airport. Have I mention that I love my mother?

The car ride remains relatively silent aside from the soothing noise from the radio. A startlingly familiar love song seeps out from the speakers, and I freeze. Memories, feelings and disgust course through my body as I sag back into the seat. I don't think I can do this…

"Sora, are you alright?" My mother queries. "You know, you don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Damn her ability to read my mind. I'd better lie, otherwise she'll think she's always right.

"Looks like your mind-reading skills are wearing off Mom," I joke. "I just don't like this song, that's all."

"Of course you don't, honey."

Argh, I think her lying agreement is worse than the sarcasm.

My mother carefully parks the car, a smug smile on her face. I determinedly lug my heavy bags to the check in counter and present my ticket and passport to a smiling attendant. What the hell is she smiling about? I mean, it's like eight o'clock in the morning. What on earth is there to be so incredibly happy about?

I strain to lift my bag onto the scale. This is way worse than when I had to empty my locker. The attendant looks at the weight on the digital readout and turns to me, her smile in place.

"I'm afraid your bag is too heavy, miss."

I stare at the attendant, an icy glare in my eyes. Okay, she is evidently mocking me. I mean, she's grinning as if I just won the lottery, and in reality my damn bag is too heavy. What the hell is her problem? There is nothing to smile about.

My mother sense that I'm on the verge of ripping the woman's smiling mouth off and intervenes. "What exactly does that mean?"

"Well," the woman begins in a syrups voice, "it obviously means that you will either have to leave the bag here, or pay the extra fee."

There is nothing happy about this, you sadistic bitch. My hand tightens over the strap of my backpack. Now what am I supposed to do?

"Sora," my mother whispers, "calm down, honey. Leave the bag here, and I'll send you everything by FedEx. Don't worry about it."

I nod and mutter, "I just don't see what she's so happy. Obviously she enjoys seeing people suffer."

"What have you decided," she asks, addressing my mother.

"We've decided," I say firmly, "to leave the bag here. I'll just take my backpack."

"As long as that's what you want," she replies perkily and hands me my ticket. "You're in seat 5A."

"Thank you," I murmur insincerely and stalk toward the security check. My mother follows, shaking with silent mirth.

"Oh, Sora, I guess we all know not to cross you."

"It isn't funny, Mom," I insist, though I'm fighting back laughter. We arrive at the entrance to the security check and I turn to face my mother.

"Before you go, Sora, I just wanted to give you this. It came this morning." She presses a small envelope into my hand. "Don't open it just yet. And, when you do open it, follow your heart."

I stare at the envelope for a second, then wrap my arms around my mother. "I love you Mom. I'll call you as soon as I get to Aunt Viv's place."

"I'll see you in a few weeks, Sora. I hope you have a great time, honey."

"Thanks, Mom." Before my tears have time to begin, I place the envelope in my pocket and stride through the security check. Once the airport officials have decided that I'm not trying to kill anyone with my hairbrush and CD player, I wave to my mother one final time.

I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

As soon as I sink into a seat in the waiting area, the envelope presses into my leg. Curious, I slid my finger under the ivory flap and extract a note and a silver ring. Holding my breath, I slowly unfold the note. Holy shit, its from Tai.

Dear Sora,

I know you'll probably hate me for this, but I couldn't let you go without telling you once more. I love you, Sora. I know that you loved me at one time, and I'm so sorry that I couldn't realize it at the time. But, the truth is, I've always loved you. Since the first day I saw you at Kari's party, I've loved you. It's cliché and stupid, I know, but its also true. I never did deserve you, and I could never understand how I got so lucky. Why did you bless me with you beauty, wit and love? I was clearly unworthy. I know that it's late, and I would never ask you to change you life plans for me – especially now that we're separated. However, I couldn't let you go thinking that I didn't love you. I meant every word of that song, Sora. I love you. I will miss you. I hope that you will take the ring with you as a reminder of the time we spent together. I hope that in the future, you find someone more deserving you your perfection. I was lucky merely to be touched by it.

Love,

Tai

Tears fall in a steady stream down my face. I shakily pick up the ring and admire the small crystal mounted in the centre. Stupid Tai.

There's no way I can leave now. Stupid moronic beautiful boy. I slip the ring onto my finger, shoulder my backpack and run toward the exit of the airport.

…

Half an hour later (though, it actually felt like thirty years – I thought cab drivers were supposed to go quickly) we pull up in front of Tai's apartment.

"That'll be twenty dollars and…"

"Here, just keep the change," I say quickly, shoving thirty dollars at the surprised man. He happily pockets the money and I dash up to Tai's door. My god, how cliché is this? My hand trembles to forcefully, I can barely push the doorbell.

Wow, I would look so ridiculous if Kari or his Mrs. Kamiya opened the door. Hopefully, Tai is home. I really didn't think this whole 'running back to my beloved' thing through.

The door opens, and a familiar flash of brown hair appears in the doorway.

"Sor…"

I launch myself at Tai and press my lips into his. It takes several seconds for him to recover from the shock and return the kiss. I don't ever want to let him go. Finally, we separate and he stands there, gawking. Very romantic. Silly boy.

"What…what are you doing here?"

"What do you mean what am I doing here?" I cry, slightly hysterically. I hold up my hand and display the ring. "You can't tell me you love me and still expect me to leave. Especially not when I'm still in love with you."

"You…you are?" he stutters.

"I don't think I ever fell out of love with you, to be entirely honest," I say quietly. "And I don't ever want to leave you."

"But, what about Queens and Canada and…" I put my finger to his lips.

"Tai, the only reason I accepted Queens was because I was angry at you. It was stupid, I know, but that's me. I still have time to accept Santher, and that's what I truly want to do. It's just as good of a school and…" I cut myself off mid-ramble. "The point is, Tai, that I'm staying here for university. Everyone told me to follow my heart, and that's what I'm going to do. I love you, and this is exactly where I want to be."

He envelops me in his arms once more and whispers, "I'm going to Santher, too."

I hold him tighter as he kicks the front door closed. Seconds later, we collapse on the couch, tangled in one another's arms. So this is what it feels like to be in love. I can't even explain everything that I feel. It's just perfection.

…

It has been two weeks since I made my rash decision to go to Santher. My mother, in her obnoxious way, seemed to know I would do so, and had purchased cancellation insurance. She still enjoys rubbing that in my face. Anut Vivian merely laughed when I called her to explain why I wasn't coming to Canada. Damn her and my mother knowing everything.

"Pass the chips," Mimi calls lazily. We're sitting around Tai's apartment watching some stupid action movie. I believe it's the same movie Tai was watching when I received the dare to flirt with him months ago. Who would have thought a simple dare would turn out so well.

"I'd like to propose a toast," Tai says, lifting his pop can into the air. We follow suit, each of us slightly confused. "This is a toast to love. Love between friends, family, and especially between couples. May our love never dwindle or fade. May we always have each other and may each moment be perfect." He tilts his can in my direction and I giggle. I think my own toast is in order.

"And I'd like to add to that," I say happily. "This is toast to out futures. May each of our individual paths take us where we wish to go. May the paths be challenging at times, so we appreciate the good things in life. And, may our paths always cross, no matter how far we roam or how high we climb. Finally, may our futures be filled with challenges and ease, fear and peace and most of all love."

The four of us bring our cans together, and sip, each lost in individual musings. Years from now, I hope to be even half as happy as I am this moment.

And, for you, I hope that you have love and happiness in your life. Maybe your life could be something like mine, and then you could write about your trials and tribulations. I mean, life isn't life without strife. After all, love is one hell of a complicated game.

………………………………

Gato: And, scene. I am exhausted, so I thank you all for you continued support throughout this long and tiring piece. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the final installment. This section of my writing is closed for a while, as I must attend to other stories. However, I want to thank each of you for your reviews, you patience and your endless support. I love you all (platonically, of course) and I write for you. May all of your writing endeavors go well and may you receive incredible support.

Fare the well, my darling readers and reviewers.