CHAPTER 3:

Patrick could not concentrate as he sat in his third period Econ class listening to Mr. Eckert drone on about what he could look forward to learning this year. This was supposed to be his year….the crowning achievement of his High School career! He was going to be a legend before the year was over but he couldn't get over the fact that it was starting off pretty crappy. First his fight this morning with his dad, then he gets blown off by Camille and to top it all off Robin's sudden personality 180. Not that he cared about Camille because she was just one of many but he was freakin' Patrick Drake.

"Mr. Drake!" Mr. Eckert exclaimed to get his attention. " Here," Patrick replied as he snapped out of his thoughts, hearing laughter floating throughout the classroom.

"We clarified that you were here when we did roll call at the beginning of class, Mr. Drake. Let's get one thing clear…you will not be getting any kind of special treatment because of your last name. I won't hesitate to fail you---"

" That's great," Patrick effectively cut of his teacher, "But I need to use the bathroom." He called out over his shoulder as he walked out. As he passed through the hallway to his locker, he thought of his last conversation with Robin.

*******
Patrick, having just got off the phone with Camille, his latest hookup looked over to see what the fuss was and couldn't believe his eyes. Robin Scorpio had obviously grown up over the summer. Her hair was longer and had golden highlights accentuating her tan body, which was covered in next to nothing with her dark green/gold bikini.

"Close your mouth jackass, that's my little sister!" Jason said as he hit Patrick upside the head.

He blushed as he realized he'd been staring, "Well look who went outta town for a couple months and came back a woman!" He joked.

Robin just laughed as she just into the pool with Nikolas and Maxie. This year was definitely going to be interesting Patrick thought to himself before he launched into the pool right behind the others, as they celebrated their last day of freedom! The four friends splashed around for a good hour before the girls got out to lay and tan. Patrick couldn't help but notice that Robin seemed to avoid him so he waited until Maxie got up to go over and talk to her.

"Hey Robs!" He greeted as he sat next to her on the lounge chair. "Umm…how was your trip to Paris. Are you going to be the next Martha Curie?"

Robin rolled her eyes at his lame attempt at a joke, "It's Marie Curie genius and I learned a lot on my trip. Is that all because you're blocking my sun."

Refusing to be baited, Patrick tried switching topics, "You look beautiful…I missed you while you were gone."
"Oh really Patty?" "Yes, really Robs. You were never far—"

Robin scoffed as she sat up and looked him directly in the eyes before saying, "You mean to tell me that the entire time I was gone, you never hooked up with anybody? Who are you kidding Patty? The only thing you missed was me following around behind you like your own personal lapdog," Seeing the hurt look on his face, she sighed before continuing, " Look, I still love you but I'm done waiting for you. I did a lot of thinking in Paris and I realized that what you said to me before you left was right…I will never be more than just a little sister to you." With that, Robin got up and went into the house leaving dumbfounded.

**BRIINNNGG…..BRRRIINNNNGGG** Soon Senior Court was filled with the sounds of music and laughing as students enjoyed their lunch break. Patrick walked over to his friends who were sitting at their usual table.

"My schedule totally sucks!" Maxie groaned, "I have to take P.E. this semester. It's nothing but sweating and exercise, neither of which I excel at."

"Well you should have thought of that freshman year!" Jason laughed, "I mean really Max, who fails P.E.?"

"Shut up Jase! You know that's soo not my fault, Ms. Johnson is just jealous of me."

"You're such a drama queen cuz!" Jason said good naturedly. "Hey Patrick....what's up man?"

"School sucks…I can't wait to get out of here!" Patrick declared as he sat next to Maxie and put his head on her shoulder.

"Awww….my poor baby," Maxie wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "Don't worry, I'll take care of Camille. Her social status at this school will be soo dead, she's gonna need a sex tape to revive it."

"What would I do without you Max?" Patrick shook with laughter before giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Where's Nik and Robin?" He asked aloud.

"Well Nicky and Robs had third period Physics together so the brainiacs are probably off somewhere solving some new medical mystery."

"Hmm…do I detect a hint of jealousy?" Patrick joked as he avoided her glare. He knew how much Maxie secretly envied Robin's intelligence. But he also knew how smart she could be when she wasn't playing up her "dumb" blonde act.

"Hey guys!" Robin exclaimed as she and Nikolas took a seat at the table. "Sorry, we're late. I am starved," she said as she grabbed some fries off her brother's plate, "I was in such a rush this morning, I forgot all about breakfast."

"Looks like you also forgot half your uniform too." Jason mumbled. He knew he was being ridiculous but this was his little sister. He didn't like the looks guys were giving her, especially Jax.

Pretending not to hear her brother, Robin just rolled her eyes. She loved her brother but she wasn't a little girl anymore. She smiled thinking about all the attention Jax had given her this morning. He was one of the hottest guys in school and he had asked her out. She was giddy with anticipation and hadn't been able to think of anything else all day.

"Well I happen to think you look HOTT today Robs!" Maxie alleged "Jax couldn't keep his eyes or hands off of you!"

Patrick clenched his fists as he watched Robin blush at Maxie's statement. He couldn't believe that she was falling for Jax's lines. He wasn't jealous, he told himself, he just had to watch out for her because she was innocent to the game.

The group enjoyed the rest of their lunch. Maxie thoroughly entertained everyone with her dramatic stories about her summer in hell with Felicia and Georgie in Texas. Soon the bell rang, ending the lunch period.

"Well I've had enough school for the day, I'm going to take off." Nikolas stated, "Anyone care to join me?"

"Sure, let's go to Miller's Pointe!" Maxie said excitedly before she felt the hand on her elbow. " Come on Jase, don't be a party pooper!"

"I don't think so Max, get to class!" Jason said, "If you don't graduate this year, Uncle Mac is going to be devastated." He knew that all he needed to mention was Uncle Mac and Maxie would straighten up. His uncle had taken responsibility of her when his marriage to her mother fell through and she would always be grateful to him.

"Come on Max, we've got fifth period together." Robin laughed as she put her arm around her best friend and headed towards the Math building.

Patrick, disappointed that he didn't get a moment alone with Robin before class, decided to take off with Nikolas. He'd just catch her at her house tonight. He needed to talk her out of this Jax phase she was going through. She wasn't going to like him interfering but someone needed to look out for her. He wasn't at all jealous, he re-affirmed to himself, he was just concerned.