Cat: Sorry, that was a longer update then I had planned, but I promise another chapter by Christmas (yes, a long way away but there are exams in between). Thanks so much to all of my amazing reviewers! You're all my new best friends, kay? Not really but yeah, you get the point.
Disclaimer: Isn't it cool how many interesting ways people have come up with to say essentially the same thing. Here's my attempt. I don't own it! Now, leave me alone or I'll have Sunwinged insult you. She's a real good insulter!
"Wait, remind me why I'm letting you go off and have a real vacation while I'm stuck at home baby-sitting non-stop." Tibby requested.
"Because I'm your best friend and you want me to be happy." Bridget said with a grin as she threw a few more pairs of socks into a duffle bag. Tibby grumbled something.
"Come on Tibby. It won't be that bad. I already promised I'd help you." Lena reminded her.
"Yeah. Sure. Because we all know that between Art classes, and a job, and Paul you're going to have lots of free time."
"Paul? Paul and I are just friends."
"Lena, don't even go there with us." Said Carmen.
"Go where? Paul and I are just friends. Seriously!"
Carmen, Tibby, and Bridget made various sounds of disbelief.
"Seriously!" Lena said again.
"Riiight. So, when's he coming to see you?" Bridget asked.
"He's not. He's taking a summer class in psychology."
"And you know this, how exactly?" Tibby asked.
"We've exchanged e-mails." Lena admitted. She had the sinking suspicion that her friends were going to start teasing her again, and braced herself.
"E-mails huh?" Carmen repeated. "Ever talk about love?" she teased.
"Only once." Lena said defensively.
Lena was glad that she had braced herself.
"Tibby, I don't know why you're laughing. I might just decide that I have better things to do then spend time with one of my best friends." That shut her up pretty fast.
"I don't know why you're laughing either Carmen." Bridget laughed. "If she and Paul get married then you'll be sisters-in-law." This set off another round of laughter.
Lena blushed but said, "I'll beat you with your soccer cleats."
"Oh, getting violent, are we?"
Lena wondered how she could be flustered, embarrassed, and happy all at the same time.
Carmen stepped off of the bus feeling a strange mixture of apprehension and bravery. It was weird and a little scary to be back in Charleston. Especially after last summer when she'd found out how bad she messed up the first time she was here. It had taken a while to come to a decision, and even longer to gather up the courage to follow through on it, but Carmen knew that she had to at least try to apologize to Lydia for all the trouble she'd caused with Krista.
The knowledge that she had somehow managed to get herself as far as Charleston stopped her from turning back. Plus, she had the Pants. They had decided that she needed them, and Carmen agreed. The words "Throwing Rocks," which had been carefully written in seven different colors of Sharpie two summers ago, made her feel brave. They also reminded her of how badly she'd screwed up.
"Carmen!" Al's voice drifted over to her and Carmen spun around. She stared at him for a moment, and then he smiled warmly at her. So he wasn't too mad at her. Carmen grinned back.
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Now, nobody catch Bird Flu and don't drink and drive. After that public service announcement I feel like I have done my civil duty and can allow you all to continue rotting your brains out on this site in exactly the same way I do. Have fun!