Before I start... what's ALW? I'm not very good with abreviations, but someone put it in a review, so I wanted to know... Sorry this took so lone, school, and my book got in the way. But for those who are keeping up: Teleperez is now 50 pages long (if a page is from 350-400 words, leaving out the consideration of begining and ends of chapters). Thanks to everyone who reviewed: Winter Rose Alchemist; Wandering Child24; SporkGoddess... remember constructive critisism is ALWAYS welcome (you learn alot more from the flamers than the groupies...no offense to anyone intended).

Emi ran up to me as I slipped on my ballet shoes, "Jace, I knew it!"

I looked up at her curiously, "Knew what?"

"Chris does like you," She was horrible at hiding her disappointment, "He asked me if you liked him! How rude is that?"

I tried not to laugh, "What'd you tell him?"

"I said I didn't know, what was I supposed to do, lie to him?"

"Of course not," I shook my head, "I'll talk to him tomorrow, come on, let's go." I grabbed her hand and led her to rehearsals.

"So, you really don't like him then?" Emi tried again.

I ignored the girls trying to listen in as we took our places, "No, I don't."

"SO who do you like?"

"God, you're incorrigible, Nobody." I smiled as Serene stood next to me, "Good morning."

She smiled back, but Emi was still talking, "You have to like somebody, come on Jace who is it?"

"If I wanted a personal matchmaker I'd just talk to your mother." Emi was a bout to speak, "if it has to do with boys, I'll let you in on a secret, 'I think, therefore I'm single,' that's my motto, and that is our cue." I could see the frustration on her face as we danced, and couldn't help but smile.

Rehearsals were as monotones as ever. I could have sworn I was sleep dancing. After we were done I saw Chris standing by the stage exit, no doubt waiting for me. I went the back ways to my room to avoid from having to talk to him before I met him for early dinner since there were no shows that night.

"Oh, Jace," Marie approached me in a singsong voice.

"Yes ma'am?" I slipped behind a screen to change.

She had a much to big smile on her face, I knew she was up to something, "There's a handsome young man outside waiting for you, I believe he has a box of chocolates as well."

I groaned inwardly, why did he have to be so sweet? "Tell him I'll be out in a minute." Her smile widened as she left to deliver my message.

"I don't like her," I spun around.

"Erik!" My eyes widened, "What are you doing here?"

He smiled, "I wanted to invite you to dinner, but it seems you have other plans, with this Chris." He said his name with loathing.

I glared at him, "You better not be getting any ideas."

"What do you mean?" he asked in mock surprise.

I rolled my eyes, "You're jealous, and I don't want to see Chris hurt because of me." I lowered my eyes and added softly, "Again."

"What do you mean again?" He asked lifting my face so he could look in my eyes.

"It's not important," I brushed his hand away, "The point is, Chris is just a friend, that's all he'll ever be. Not by his choice, but mine."

"Why never? You might end up falling for his cheap stunts."

I glared even harder at him, "You mean the chocolates? You're the one who bruised my arm, freaked me out, and kidnapped me!"

Erik wasn't listening anymore, "I hurt your arm in the attic?"

I turned to him, in shock at the remorse in his voice, "It's just a little bruise, nothing makeup can't cover up."

He lifted up my half-sleeve and gasped, "a lot of professionally done make up." He ran his thumb lightly over the purple bruise. It was as big as his hand. "I'm sorry." He dropped my arm and walked back a few steps, as if I was a china doll he was afraid to break. Or maybe he thought I didn't trust him because of it.

I closed the distance between us, "I forgive you." I put my arms around him. This time he returned the embrace. A knock at the door pulled me away.

"Jace?" Chris' voice asked, I hushed Erik's growl with a glare, "We need to leave if you want to get a good seat at the restaurant."

I gave Erik a look of 'don't you even think about it, and headed outside.