Liam O' Seagh was packing the day's homework into his backpack as the schoolday at Retroville Elementary ended. As he slung his backpack across his back, he heard someone beside him clear their throat. Turning, he noticed his desk neighbor Amber Jones, her hands behind her back, her eyes cast downwards.

Liam smiled. He knew that Amber had a huge crush on him and while he didn't quite feel the same way about her, he could at least admire how sweet and kind Amber was. "Yes, Amber? Can I help you?"

Amber blushed. "Um… maybe. I was looking over the homework and I… may need some help."

"Well, I'd be glad to help, but wouldn't James or Cynthia be better choices?" Liam asked.

"They would if they weren't so busy with each other and whatever adventure they have planed." Amber sighed.

Liam nodded. "Very well, then. Come. We'll study at my house."

Amber stopped. "Y-your house? Don't you live in the rich part of town?"

"Yeah. Don't worry, it's not far. And I'll be sure to have you home before dark," Liam showed Amber his olive-bead rosary, a family heirloom. "I promise it on the cross."

Amber looked at the rosary with a twinge of jealousy. It was on that cross that Liam also promised his father he wouldn't date. But she forced that feeling to the back of her mind. "That's not what I mean. I mean that I'm just a common girl."

"As is Cindy, but that blowhard, Eustace Stritch still invited her over," Liam smiled. "Come on, Amber. I'll break out some vintage Purple Flurp, we'll do our homework, and you'll even have fun."

Amber thought it over. "You don't have any expensive carpets or tapestries, do you?"

"Only in the foyer, sitting room, and my father's office. But my room's pretty normal, I promise."

Amber nodded. "Alright, then I accept."

-atomic transition wipe-

Amber's jaw dropped as Liam led her through the foyer of his mansion. "This place is huge!"

"Yeah, it's a bit bigger than I'm used to, but it's nice." Liam smiled.

A well-dressed elderly gentleman approached them as they entered the main hallway. "Brought a guest, did we, sir?"

"Just a study buddy, Shane. This is Amber. Amber, this is Shane." Liam introduced the two.

"Charmed, Ms. Amber. If ever you need anything, just call."

Amber nodded. "I'll be sure to, Mr. Shane."

"None of that, please. Shane will do." Shane requested.

"Come on, Amber. My room's up the stairs. Oh, Shane, could you have the kitchen staff bring us a couple bottles of vintage Flurp?"

"Of course, sir. Would you prefer '55 classic or '63 Bay Wash variety?"

Liam turned to Amber. "You're the guest. It's your call."

"What's the difference?" Amber asked.

"Classic has a bolder flavor. Really grabs your taste buds. '63 Bay Wash is lighter, a bit more fruity." Shane explained.

"I think I'd like Classic, please." Amber decided.

"At once, Ms. Amber." Shane smiled.

Liam led her up to his room and for the second time, her jaw dropped. Liam's bed was king-sized with fluffy pillows ad fancy silk sheets, he had his own television, hooked up to the latest gaming systems, and you could see all of Retroville from his window.

Amber sat on the edge of the bed. "How can you be so rich and yet so down-to-earth?"

Liam chuckled as he sat next to her. "All this stuff may be fun to use, may be state-of-the-art, but they're temporary. How I treat people, how I help my fellow man, those go a lot farther."

Amber smiled. "Is that why you've suddenly decided to be nice to me instead of just ignoring me?"

Liam sighed. "Actually, Amber, it was James who opened my eyes. See, before my father and I moved here, I didn't have any friends my own age. I was still carrying the hurt from my parents' divorce."

Amber pulled Liam close. "And look how far you've come."

Liam smiled. "You're not buttering me up so you can avoid doing your homework, are you? Cuz you asked for my help."

Amber giggled as she pulled out her homework. "No, here it is."

Liam pulled out his homework as well. "Alright, then, let's get started." The two did their homework together ans=d, though Liam wasn't as smart as Jimmy or Cindy by a longshot, he and Amber got through the day's assignment just as a maid brought them two bottles of 1955 Purple Flurp Classic.

Liam popped the top off of his drink and took a long swig. "Well, we still have some time before sundown. Want to see the rooftop garden?"

Amber gasped. "You have a rooftop garden?" she asked excitedly.

Liam smiled. "We gotta have fresh ingredients for our meals, right? Come on."

-atomic transitional wipe-

For the third time, Amber's jaw dropped as she and Liam took the elevator up to the biggest, most extravagant rooftop garden she had ever seen. "Liam, I think I'm going to faint."

"I'm right behind you if you do," Liam smiled. "We grow all kinds of flora here, and not just for consumption. Whenever Father returns from another country, he brings home a new plant."

"How diverse." Amber smiled. She looked around at the various plants and trees. "Your water bill must be insane!"

"Compared to yours, maybe, but it's actually cheaper than back home, believe it or not." Liam chuckled.

Amber walked under a large apple tree. "Ooh, nice and shady."

"You should see it in Spring or Summer." Liam suggested.

Amber giggled. "Are you inviting me over again, Mr. O' Seagh?"

"And if I am?" Liam asked.

"Then I accept. Maybe next time, I can help plant something. I have a green thumb." Amber bragged.

"I look forward to seeing it." Liam smiled.

- atomic transition wipe-

As promised, Liam brought Amber home as the sun began to set. As she stepped out of Liam's limo, she turned back around and hugged Liam tight. "You're an awesome friend, you know that?"

Liam smiled. "I do now. Have a pleasant night, Amber. I'll see you at school tomorrow, ok?"

"See you then," Amber leaned in close and lightly kissed his cheek.

Liam blushed. "Amber…"

"I can't help myself sometimes. You're really cute." Amber skipped out of the limo and into her home.

Liam shook her head. "She's gonna get hurt."