Jake and I decided the best way to make it work was to split off and since I pretty much stalked my father. I figured I'd let Jake take it from there, I trust him. So I would take my mom, she understands me quite well and I think I could get through to her.

I went searching the hallways for her after school. Praying I could meet up with her. Just then, I saw someone who would know where she is.

"Uncle Derek-I mean Derek!" I yelled.

He turned around in his leather jacket. "Um.. and you are?"

"I just transferred here from uh. Fletcher Academy."

"Oh so your a super keener. Yeah you might just want to check in with my stepsister."

"Actually I was wondering if you could do me a favor?"

"I don't do favors."

I looked around and saw what appeared to be Aunt Emily. "I could set you up with that girl over there."

"Uh her.. ha ha nice try. I already got her under my spell." I laughed I couldn't help it. Mom told me that Uncle Derek had to ask Aunt Emily out because she wouldn't go out with him at first. I guess she used to like him but she moved on and then he realized he liked her but she already moved on.

"Are you sure she was getting back together with uh.." Sheldon Shlepper was her ex boyfriend if memory served me right. "Sheldon Shlepper," I said finally.

"Sheldon Shlepper. Are you serious?! But I thought she broke up with him?"

"Will you help me or not?"

"You drive a hard bargain kid but I'm feeling generous. So okay what's your favor?"

"I was wondering, if you could get me to your house. So I could have a talk with Casey McDonald."

"Okay fine. Be outside in 10. But I must warn you she's leaving for the big game in a few hours."

I nodded and went over to Emily.

"Hi!" I said smiling.

"Hello," she smiled "Are you new here?"

"Um. Yes. But actually I was gonna tell you that, that guy over there likes you."

"Likes me? Ha Ha very funny. Derek is just a friend."

"Oh really? He told me your beautiful and smart and funny and..."

"He did?"

"Why, of course."

"Do you like him?"

"I used to, but I kinda got the feeling he never felt that way about me and I kind of moved on."

"Well he hasn't and I think you'll be getting a call from him soon."

I saw a smile tug at her face and I knew my work there was done.

I met Derek by his car. He unlocked it and we both hopped in.

"Okay so it's all set up. She'll be awaiting your call."

"Sweet. Okay now can you tell me why you want to talk with my lame stepsister?"

"Well let's just say, I got some business with her to take care of."

"Say no more." He blasted some music I had no idea about. The neighborhoods hadn't changed much within the last 15 years. Before I knew it we were passing the familiar street that my house was on. I knew that the house we lived in now used to belong to my grandparents. Then when everyone grew older and moved away they got a new smaller place.

We pulled in front of the house. "Alright we're here."

I marched up the familiar steps. When we stepped inside a bunch of familiar voice entered.

"Derek, who's your friend?" asked Grandma Nora.

"Oh yeah this is uh.." began Uncle Derek.

"Lily.." Oh crap I can't say Covington. "Lily Sanford."

"Well nice to meet you Lily. Call me Nora." So Grandma, would be highly inappropriate.

"Um. Where's Casey?"

"She's in her room getting ready," said Nora.

"Thank you," I smiled.

I went up the familiar stairs. Normally I would go straight up to my room but since I didn't technically live here. I had to guess which room is Casey's. I tried one of the bedroom's false alarm. I could smell Uncle Edwin a mile away. Curious I dropped in what was believed to be my room and as it turned out mom and I had the same room.

I knocked on the door politely and Casey opened the door with a confused look on her face.

"Um Hi, I don't mean to sound rude or anything but who are you?"

"I'm uh.. a friend of Derek's actually."

"A friend of Derek's? Not a good sign."

"Well actually I'm more friends with a guy called Noel Covington. Do you know him?" I said casually.

She opened the door more openly and gestured to her bed.

"I know Noel. We were in the musical together and occasionally I'll run into him," she said sadly.

"Why do you sound so glum when you say that?"

"Oh no reason. It's just um. Wow can't believe I'm telling you this. I think I sort of let him down recently."

"Let him down?"

She moved close to me on the bed so I could hear her. "Well you see I used to be this strong, independent, smart girl. Now look at me, a brainless cheerleader who's weak and lets her boyfriend dictate her life."

I sighed, "Well it doesn't have to be like that."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you can go back to the person you used to be."

"It's not that easy," she scoffed.

"What do you mean it's not that easy?" I demanded.

"Look at me now. I'm popular, I've got tons of friends. A jock boyfriend," she said.

"But are you happy?"

"No.. I mean yes... I mean I don't know."

"You know Noel's a great guy."

"I know that, you think I don't know that. He's amazing and smart and funny and cute. He's everything I could ever want in a boyfriend."

"So what's the problem?"

"He thinks I'm an airhead. He's right too. I am an airhead. I let my life be controlled by a bunch of peppy people with pom-poms."

"Did he actually say that?"

"No, but I know that's what he's thinking. He's smart and I am an idiot."

"You said that you let your boyfriend dictate your life. Here's my advice, Don't let him. Be who you want to be and don't let anyone tell you different."

"Thanks, you've given me a lot to think about."

"It's what I'm here for. Now I really must be going, but I guess I'll see you at the big dance tomorrow?"

"Yeah, see you there. Wait, what did you say your name was?"

"Lily. My name is Lily."

"Pretty name," she smiled.

"Yeah it was my mother's idea." I walked away smiling. I marched down the stairs.

"Thanks Gran-I mean Nora!" She smiled and I walked outside.

Okay so that's one down. Now where can I find Jake. I knew that they would most likely be at Grandma and Grandpa Covington's place. I called for a taxi, hopefully my money would still be good in this decade. When the taxi arrived, I gave him the address. The drive was boring and silent but I was waiting impatiently. Not before long the time would run out. When I arrived there, I gave the driver my money and thank god it was still good in this decade.

I marched up the steps. The door opened and Grandma Covington opened it. "Hello is Noel here?"

"Why, yes of course. He's upstairs with a friend. You're more than welcome to go join them."

"Thank you," I said politely.

I heard some muffled voices and went to open the door.

"Excuse me Donkey Kong is so old! It's all about World of Warcraft now!"

"Is not!"

"Sorry am interrupting something," I said poking my head in the door. When alas I saw Jake and Dad sitting across from each other playing games.

"It's about time you got here!" Jake said finally.

"You! You've been following me around all day!"

"I have good reasons to. That girl you were talking to earlier she's crazy about you!"

Dad sighed, "She is not for the last time!"

"Oh yeah if that's true than why did she just tell me how she really felt about you! She's in love with you Noel, It's time you realized it!"

"Look I just don't want to give my hopes up. The truth is. I'm in love with Casey. I've loved her from the musical. I was gonna tell her how I felt after the musical but then I found out she had a boyfriend. So I chickened out of it," he said sadly.

"Noel.." I said softly.

"It's alright really. It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters, Noel I swear to you she is crazy about you. She isn't happy with that Max guy. She told me so herself. She said he dictates her life and she told me that she was afraid a guy like you could never like the person she's become."

"She's right I don't like the person she's become, but I don't think that's the real her. I think the real her is inside her and is afraid to resurface."

"You know what you got to do then right?"

"What's that?"

I looked at Jake and smiled. I turned my gaze back to my father.

"You've got to get her back."

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"The dance tomorrow night. You've got to tell her how you feel!"

"Uh. I don't dance."

"You will dance and you will like it!"

Noel turned to Jake, "Is she always this forceful?"

"Try being her best friend, yeah it's no walk in the park."

I laughed. "Okay it's time for a dance lesson."

Then Jake and I proceeded to teach him the art of dancing. Dancing is very complicated and isn't the easiest thing in the world to do. Especially to teach someone in one night but it was fun. Jake and I showed him the proper way to slow dance and showed him some techniques he can use. I don't know if it was just the theme of the night but Noel seemed to be having a fun time. I also have to admit being in Jake's arms weren't the worst thing in the world. We were having fun and I began to see a new side of my dad I thought I had missed out on. It began getting really late but Jake and I had no place to stay.

"Hey um Noel this may sound like a weird question but uh Jake and I don't have a place to stay. You see we are actually here to find stuff out about this project we are researching and we thought we'd be done by night time but it looks like it's gonna cost us a night. Do you mind if we crash here?"

"I don't mind and I don't think my parents would mind either. You guys can stay in the guest room but let me clear it with my mom first," Dad said.

He came back a few minutes later with towels and some other items. "Here you go. Jake I had some extra PJ's from my closet and Lily my mom had some girl pj's in her room. I'll show you to the guest room."

He showed us to the guest room and I was in complete awe. It was very beautiful, and the bed was huge. "Thank you," I said.

Jake and I took turns in the bathroom getting changed.

"You can take the bed," he offered.

"Really, Jake. It was my dumb idea in the first place. You take it, I can sleep on the floor."

"I'm the guy I can manage the floor."

"I'm just as tough as you are. Here let's just both take the bed. We're both adults."

"Yeah, okay."

Jake climbed in on the other side. I have to admit, it was a bit awkward being in a bed with Jake. I mean especially with what's been going on between us. However I was too tired to care and eventually I fell fast asleep.

The next morning came quicker than I had hoped for. I was so tired from yesterday, I almost didn't notice the sunlight peering in through the window when I awoke Jake's arms outstretched over me again and it felt nice.

After a bit I decided I would get up and get changed.

"Morning," I said to Jake when I saw him rise.

"Uh. Morning. What time is it?"

"Eleven O'Clock"

"Eleven! That means we only have 13 hours!" He got up excitedly.

"I know, but don't worry. I have a plan."

"What's this plan of yours?"

"First get dressed. We are going shopping!"

"Shopping for what?"

"Excuse me, we have a dance to attend tonight. We have to make sure they have that kiss."

"Fine."

I took out my locket. I glanced at the photo, this time my whole lower half was gone. We've got to hurry.

When Jake was finally done getting ready we bid our fair wells to the family and set out. I knew of a shopping mall a few blocks away. So we just walked there. I told Jake about the rest of the plan. How we would have Noel appear and dance with mom and how it would work out perfectly.

Jake and I arrived at the mall in no time. I still had plenty of cash on me so the two of us went to town trying to find the perfect formal wear. After a few hours we found Jake the perfect dress shirt and tie to wear. The only thing left for me to buy was a dress.

I tried on several outfits and Jake shook his head in disapproval of everything I tried on. Eventually I managed to find the perfect green dress. It was strapless and had a mini train. I stepped out of the dressing room and Jake's was silent.

"That bad eh?"

"No not bad at all! You uh.. look..uh.."

"Jake?" I asked.

"You look beautiful."

I smiled, "Thanks Jake."

I changed out of the dress and paid for it. By the time we got back to Dad's place it was pushing 8 o'clock.

"It's seven fifty! Jake we are running low on time here!"

"It's okay just hurry up and get showered and dressed and we'll be going soon."

I didn't take too long getting ready. I did the best I could especially with the lack of time and accessories. Dad and Jake were long ready before myself.

I checked the time and it now read "Nine thirty." Great only two and a half hours. That should be plenty of time.

I was worried it would be too late. I got down the stairs. Jake took my arm and Dad followed behind. The three of us went in dad's car and not before long we reached the dance.

I looked around for mom. I couldn't quite find her and I looked everywhere.

"She's didn't come," said Noel sadly.

"She'll be here! I know it."

Just then some people cleared and alas I saw mom. Looking glum in her pretty pink gown sitting at a far away table.

"There's your chance! Noel, go ask her to dance!"

"I can't," he said sadly.

"Noel, Jake and I spent hours with you showing you how to dance. Go out there and dance with her! Show her that you can be that guy for her. The guy. Just go out there and do it!"

I saw dad awkwardly head over there to talk to her. I pulled Jake and I closer so we could here, what they had to say.

"Hey Casey," Dad said strangely upbeat like.

"Noel! How are you?" I swear that frown I saw her wearing before disappeared when she was my dad.

"I'm great!"

"That's good. So um your date's probably looking for you," she said sadly.

"I didn't come with a date," he said. She grinned. "Look Noel, I was an idiot! I was brainwashed. The real me isn't some cheerleader or some idiot Jock's girlfriend. The real me is a shy nerd who wants to be a lawyer. The real me wants someone like you," she cried.

"I know," He said. "Would you like to dance?" he asked.

"I thought you didn't dance," she said.

"In musicals, not so much but in the real world. I pick my moments," he said grinning. He offered her arm and she took it. He guided her to the dance floor and my mom couldn't look happier.

Just then someone tapped me on my shoulder. "Well Lil, we've got some time to kill. Would you dance with me?"

I smiled, "I'd love to."

Jake and I stepped foot onto the dance floor. A few songs later and I was lost. My mother and father were dancing so elegantly with each other. I honestly had never seen two people so in love. After what seemed to me hours. A soft song my mom used to play a lot, came on the air.

"I hung up the phone tonight,

Something happened for the first time,

Deep inside, It was a rush, what a rush..."

I looked at Jake and he was smiling. I tore my gaze from him and onto my parents. It looked like Dad had said something funny and mom was smiling.

"Do you catch a breathe,

When I look at you,

Are you holding back,

Like the way you do,

'Cause I'm trying, trying to walk away,

But I know this crush ain't going away,

Away.."

Jake and I were so close at that moment I thought-

Out of nowhere, that jerk Max finally decided to show up at the dance and walked onto the dance floor. He looked furious when he saw my mom dancing with my dad.

"What do you think you are doing Casey?! You're my girlfriend and yet here you are dancing with this nerd! You're such a slut! I should have dumped you for Amy when I had the chance!" Max began to walk away but it was too late my father was on a rampage. He grabbed his arm. "What more do you want, Nerd!"

My dad surprised me when he took out his fist and punched Max in the face. "You can call me whatever you want, but don't you dare call Casey that! Douche bag!"

It was only then that Dad realized his hand was throbbing and waved it to try and numb the pain. My mom took his arm. "Are you okay?" she asked.

He looked at her, "Never better." Just then the most magical thing happened, They kissed.

It wasn't just one kiss either it was ongoing. Normally people get grossed out by their parents kissing but to me I couldn't turn away.

I flipped open the locket and suddenly it was back to normal. I EXIST! I wanted to scream!

Just then Jake reminded me that it was eleven fifty-five. The clock was ticking. I had to be out of there soon or we would be stuck in the past forever.

Jake grabbed my hand and we headed to the Janitor closet. My locket felt loose like it was going to fall off, but I tried to ignore it. We only had five minutes to get there!

Tinker Tomlin was in there as promised. "I got it working but you guys have to get going!" Just then I realized. I had forgotten my locket.

"Oh no, My locket! I need it!" I ran out to grab it but the clock was ticking. In two minutes we would no longer have any options.

"LILY!"

Jake grabbed me and pulled me into the machine. Tinker hit the button and the bright light once again blinded me.