The Online Couple

By Matthew Rozier

Chapter 7

It was Sunday and Odd woke up to the sound of Ulrich's voice. "So, what's going on between you and Sissi, huh?"

"Can't you tell?"

"Well, yeah, I guess. But, I thought you didn't like Sissi."

"Well, obviously I don't."

"What do you see in her anyway?"

"It's hard to explain. At least she likes me back."

"Are you sure it isn't just an act?"

"Yeah, I'm sure." There was a knock at the door.

"Odd? You awake?" It was Sissi.

"Yeah, he's awake, Sissi," said Ulrich. "What do you want?"

"Hmph."

"Come on, open the door, Ulrich," said Odd. Ulrich opened the door although he was surprised at what he saw. There was Sissi, arms crossed, although she wasn't in her usual get-up. She was wearing a pink top, similar in color to Aelita's "A" shirt, but although her top was cut off to expose more of her midriff than usual. Also, she wasn't wearing a head band and she was wearing short shorts. Odd's eyes lit up when he saw her. "Hey, Sissi," he said, "you look great!"

"Thanks, Odd. I thought I'd wear something a little different. I'm in a good mood today." Sissi was holding a Tootsie pop. She placed it in her mouth, spun it in her fingers and pulled it back out slowly. Gosh, I'll say, thought Odd. She's in a very good mood to be dressed like that.

Ulrich said nothing. He could only stare, stunned. Finally, he said something. "Uh, Sissi? Are you sure your dad would approve you being dressed like that?"

"Don't be silly," said Sissi, smiling. "He's too occupied with his work to pay any attention."

"Whatever you say," said Ulrich, rolling his eyes.

"Oh, give it a rest, Ulrich," said Odd. "Come on, Sissi."

Sissi giggled and grabbed Odd by the arm, pulling him behind her. "Whoa," exclaimed Odd, "what's the big hurry?"

"You'll see," said Sissi, with a mischievous look on her face. She tossed the Tootsie pop into a trash can as they hurried through the building, turning heads as they went.

They reached Sissi's room and Sissi sat Odd down on her bed and closed the door. "At last," said Sissi, panting. "We're alone."

Odd gulped. "Sissi, what's going on?"

Sissi didn't answer. She just smiled and sat down on the bed next to Odd. "Odd," she said happily, "I'm so glad we're together." She an arm around his neck and kissed him. Odd's eyes widened in surprise for a second but then he closed them in delight.

"Odd? Odd?" said a voice. Odd was lying in bed, still asleep, yet he had a big smile on his face. "Odd," said Ulrich, "wake up!"

Odd opened his eyes. There was Ulrich, standing over the bed. "Huh," said Odd, rubbing his eyes "what happened?"

"You've been asleep all morning. It is past noon. I think you've been dreaming."

"I think you're right. It was just too good to be true."

"What was?"

"I'd rather not talk about it," said Odd with a wink.

"Did it involve Sissi?

Odd just smiled. "I'm headed for the showers. See ya later."

Ulrich shook his head as Odd walked off and headed downstairs. He ran into Herve and Nicholas on the way. Herve looked a little upset. "Hey, Ulrich," said Herve. "You tell your pal Della Robbia to stay away from Sissi!"

"Why," asked Ulrich with a smirk, "you jealous?"

Herve growled and yelled, "For the last time, I'M NOT JEALOUS!"

Everyone around stopped and looked in Herve's direction. Herve chuckled nervously and ran off. What a loser, Ulrich thought.