Disclaimer: I do not own the Xena and Hercules gangs, Gods, etc.

Warning: This story takes place in our time period and in ancient Greece... It's a bit confusing but you'll soon see what I mean. I've made it pretty obvious who the characters are but if you get stuck on one that you can't figure out don't be afriad to ask. There is also no subtext. This is my first Xena fic so please let me know what you think.

CHAPTER 19

"Aaaaah!", Elle screamed raking her finger nails through her blond locks.

"Hey, calm down", Lena said putting a comforting hand on Elle's shoulder. Elle turned around quickly and faced her best friend, tears glistening in her emerald green eyes.

"Don't worry Elle, everything will be alright... I promise!", Lena soothed as Elle gently put her head down on Lena's shoulder to cry.

"Lena!... Elle!.... where on earth are you two-", Irene called out but stopped suddenly when she saw the girls in the state they were in. "What - what happened? Is everything alright?", she asked worriedly afraid something terrible had happened.

"Oh... Mother, no we- well Elle was just-"

"Being sill and childish", Elle concluded finishing the sentence for Lena. Lena looked over at Elle darkly. "It's nothing Mom, really. Elle is just having a hard time in school, that's all."

"Well Elle sweety, you know that if you ever need anything I'm here", Irene smiled warmly and kissed Elle on the forehead before going back out to her customers.

"You going to be okay?", Lena asked her friend cautiously.

"Yeah... I'll live. Besides there's always Jax!", Elle smiled playfully before laughing out loud.

"Jax is a good guy! Dopey, but good", Lena defended laughing as well.

"I know I'm just kidding! He's a real sweetheart."

"Come on let's go back out there and show the world that we're strong and we don't need anyone but eachother!", Lena said, smiling confidently.

"Alright!!!", Elle laughed heading out towards the dining area.

"Ladies! I was wondering when you would grace us with your presence!", a voice said from the right of them.

"Artie!", Elle called out , running to hug her friend Art Kingman.

"Hey Gabs! How ya' doing?", he responded hugging her tightly.

"Hey Art, how's it going?", Lena smirked playfully at the handsome dark haired man.

"Well, well, well, what have we got here?", Art asked looking Lena over. "It's very, very nice to see you again princess!"

"The feeling is... almost mutual. So Artie... what have you stolen since the last time we saw eachother? It better have not been anything worthless!", Lena responded, walking up slowly to him.

"My dear, you know of my reputation! I steal only the best!", Art replied kissing Lena's hand gently.

'I have to admit he is smooth... even though he has a bad habit of caressing his mustache from time to time, but he is smooth nonetheless. Little thief!', Lena thought to herself smiling.

"Well ladies are you going to seat me or am I just going to have to charm you all day?", Artie asked smiling.

"No I think we've had enough for one day Art... right this way", replied Lena, leading Artie to a seat.

When Lena arrived back to the front counter Elle was staring deep into space. "Is everything alright?", she asked, waving a hand in front of the young blonde's face. "Hmmm?... oh yeah. I was just thinking", Elle responded with a yawn.

"What were you thinking about?"

"About how every guy I meet or likes me turns out to be a jerk or a 'freakazoid'! It just isn't fair sometimes!"

"Elle, sometimes life isn't always fair, but that's why you have to stick out your chin, grab the bull by the horns and enjoy what little time you have on this crazy place we call earth!", Lena said, a twinkle in her eye.

"I thought I was the writer-philosopher!", Elle laughed.

"You are... I just thought it would be fun to try it!", replied Lena with a big grin upon her face.

"About the whole unfair life thing... how come it's not like that for you?", Elle asked looking expectantly at her friend.

"Life is unfair for everybody and that includes me! You know it's never been easy for me with some of the paths I've taken in life.", Lena replied, looking away embarrassed.

"I know, I'm sorry Lena... I guess I'm still sulking a bit", Elle said feeling quite stupid.

"Hey if it makes you feel better... not all the guys that like you are jerks or 'freakazoids.' Luke thinks you're some sort of goddess! I can hook you up if you want!", Lena laughed playfully at the look on Elle's face.

"Thanks Lena that's all I need! I can't even get a guy my age and you want me to go after some Jr High kid!", replied Elle rolling her eyes.

"Elle don't sulk! Come on, I'll buy you some nutbread from the bakery next door!", Lena offered, wrapping an arm around Elle.

"Your on!", Elle said practically running through the door. Lena laughed and followed her best friend and her sister.

So what did you think? There short, I know, sorry guys! Well I hope to have more up soon! I read some of the reviews when I got my comp going again, thanks a lot guys it means a bunch to me! Well, until next time! Later!