Hello everyone! I'm back with chapter 4 of this fantabulous story! It took me a while, but school started, and I had to readjust before I could do any writing. I'm still pretty busy as it is, but hopefully I'll manage.

So here's Chapter 4: Dating and Partying

Yumi was dressed in an elegant black dress. She looked at herself in the mirror, giving herself a onceover before she left for her date with William. Aelita entered the bedroom that all three of them shared (now that's got to be annoying) and smirked, with Yumi seeing her reflection through the mirror.

Yumi turned and asked, "What's got you all smug?"

"You're finally dating!" Aelita squealed as she tackled the girl in a tight squeeze, not really a hug.

Yumi was taken aback. "Okay? I've been on dates before."

"I know, but it's been like a year since you've actually gone out with someone." Yumi rolled her eyes. Aelita knew what that meant. "Don't act like this is nothing. It's a big deal. You're not really the clingy romantic type. It takes a special kind of guy to make you soften up like this."

Yumi tilted her head to the side, giving Aelita's words some thought. "Well, I guess you're right.

"Of course I'm right. Will must be quite the charming devil."

"I'm not in love or anything like that." Yumi made sure she set the record straight on that. "But I do like being with him, he's a pretty great guy."

Aelita cooed, giving Yumi another squeeze. This one was more of a death lock and NOT a hug.

"Aelita, please!" Yumi gasped for air.

Aelita let her go. "Sorry. But do you know what this means?" Yumi raised an eyebrow. "It means the trio are all finally in a relationship! You won't be the fifth wheel anymore. We could double date—GASP—WE COULD TRIPLE DATE! Wow! I've never been on a triple date before. Yumi, this'll be so awesome! I am so happy you're finally going out!" Aelita rambled. She continued on, mentioning something about a triple wedding (like that'll ever happen) as she turned her back on Yumi thinking of all of the possibilities. Yumi left her alone and made her way to the door.

She passed Sam on her way out. "Going out?" Sam asked.

"Yep, tonight's the date with William." The Asian girl answered.

"Have fun." Sam replied. "Not too much fun though."

"Like I ever would." Yumi opened the door, but turned back. "Why do keep we Aelita around us again?"

Sam snorted. She could hear Aelita in the other room (She was now talking about how they could all live in a giant house and have families together like on one of those TV shows). "Well, she did help us get high scores on the SATs."

"Right." Yumi said shaking her head as she walked out the door and into the nice, warm summer night.


"Wow! This place is beautiful." Yumi said as she looked around Monsieur Pierre's. William smiled. They both took their seats at a private booth (wonder why it's private). She picked up the menu in front of her, and she did a double take. "And it's freaking expensive!" Yumi exclaimed, attracting a few glances from neighboring tables. William chuckled.

"You know, Yumi," William started as he looked over his menu, "you're a very outspoken woman." He looked at her, not moving his face from the menu. It gave him a very alluring look. He smiled and said, "I like that."

Yumi blushed. And that meant something because Yumi Ishiyama was not the kind of woman to blush at every flirt that came her way. She remained silent and continued reading the menu. Once they ordered, they began a real conversation. It was casual at first as they talked about normal day-to-day things—work, Aelita and Sam, the weather, etc. But it began taking a more passionate route.

William stretched his arm across the table and grabbed Yumi's hand in his. His thumb lightly rubbed her hand. "Yumi, I've been smitten by you since you first came to work at Stern Co. You're beautiful, smart, independent, and one stubborn, sarcastic lady. Yumi gave a light chuckled at the last comment.

"Why, thank you, William. I'm flattered."

William gave her a funny look. "A guy pays you probably the most beautiful compliment, and you reply with that?"

"What's wrong with what I said?"

"Well you could've mentioned how hot you think I am, or how funny I am." Yumi laughed.

"Maybe I don't think you're funny."

"Well you must, you just laughed after all. But you didn't mention not thinking I'm hot, so must find me attractive."

Yumi raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn't mean to leave that part out . . . or did she? "W-well, I uh—"

"Don't sweat it, Yumi, I'm just teasing you." William said. "You're very cute when you stutter by the way." Yumi blushed again. By that time, the food came they both enjoyed a delicious French meal. After dinner, it would only make sense that a man would randomly appear out of nowhere and play the young couple a romantic tune on his violin. I mean it's the most normal and not cliché thing at all, right?

Yumi appreciated it for what it was, though she did giggle at how cheesy this was. William stood up and held out his hand to her. "Care for a dance?" Yumi obliged him and stepped out onto the hardwood floor. They glided across the room along with other couples.

"You know, I could really get used to having you in my life." William said as they danced.

"Really now?"

"Yes." William said insistently.

"I like being with you too."

"Ah, you're getting better at this flirting thing I see." William nodded his approval.

"I am an excellent flirter, mind you. But a woman doesn't use up all of her enticing arsenal in one go. That wouldn't make this much of a date or a relationship if I did."

"Hm, I'll have to remember that." William said.

"Small steps, William. Don't worry, they'll be well worth it."

"Well worth what?" William asked, his curiosity piqued.

Yumi laughed. Men. They only had one thing on their minds. As if I have to tell you what that was. "Not anything serious, now. But you'll definitely fall for me."

"Hate to tell you this, but I've already fallen for you." William replied.

"Then you'll just fall deeper."

"I am. And I will. I'll fall deeper and madly in love with Yumi." William whispered in her ear.

Yumi smirked as she laid her head on William's shoulder.


William, being the gentleman he was walked Yumi home. They stopped at the door. And Yumi turned to him.

"I'll see you Monday." William declared.

"Right." Yumi confirmed.

"Goodnight." William said just loud enough for Yumi to hear as he leaned in a bit.

"Night." Yumi leaned in a bit too. They closed the distance and shared a quick, tender kiss.

William walked off as Yumi opened the door to her apartment. She felt several hands grab her and yank her into the living room.

"Alright, girl. Tell us everything. Give us all the details! What happened?" Sam yelled.

"We have to know!" Aelita demanded.

Yumi looked back and forth at the two girls, not able to decide which one was crazier.

"Uh, no." Yumi said it more as a question.

"WHAT?" they both shrieked. They both began taking turns telling her that she had to tell or else they would both die from not knowing, and how Yumi would regret not telling them for the rest of her life, living with the guilt that led them to their deaths.

"Fine!" Yumi said, giving in.

"Okay! What happened?" Sam said as she jumped onto the couch, making herself comfortable. Aelita was mindlessly eating popcorn.

"We went to Monsieur Pierre's. The food was great. We danced. We flirted. Then he walked me home, and I gave him a kiss goodbye."

"You can't just tell us like that!" Aelita protested.

"Yeah, give us some details. Use your adjectives! What was he wearing?" Sam gushed.

"How was his hair?" Aelita asked.

"Did he say anything stupid?"

"Did he annoy you all day?"

"Is he actually a member of the Mafia?" Sam blurted out. Aelita and Yumi both gave her questioning looks. "Hey, I once dated a guy who was." Sam defended. "These are the questions that plague our minds!"

All three laughed. After about an hour of talking about the date, Yumi decided to turn in for the night.

Before she could leave, Sam let out an, "Oh! I almost forgot!" Yumi froze.

"What?"

"You remember our good friend Theo, right?"

"Yeah."

"He's throwing a party and he invited us to go."

"A party? Aren't we too old to be going to some wild party?" Yumi frowned.

"First off," Aelita began, "you are NEVER too old for parties. Second, it's not some wild college party. It's just a get together with all of our old college buddies. You know, so we can catch up and hang out, and stuff."

"Oh, well when is it?"

Sam and Aelita looked away from Yumi as Sam mumbled. "Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Yumi exclaimed. "Why the heck are you just telling me about this now?"

"We kind of forgot to mention it to you." Aelita answered.

"You two are so!" Yumi paused. She couldn't think of a word bad enough for them.

"Loveable? Nice? Thoughtful?" Sam suggested. Yumi shook her and laughed.

"Ahh, what would I do without you guys?" she finally said.

"Die a lonely death . . . alone." Aelita replied. Yumi laughed.

"Right. But sometimes, I don't mind being alone with roommates like you."

"Trust us, Yumi." Aelita started.

"The feeling's mutual." Sam finished.


It was the night of the party and it was crowded. The music was blaring, and people were dancing and having a good time.

Yumi, Sam, Aelita, Odd, and Jeremie arrived at the party, taking in their surroundings.

"I thought this was just college friends." Odd said.

"Well that's what Theo's text said, but it's obviously not." Aelita replied as a shirtless guy ran past them screaming something about cheese sauce.

"Who are these people?" Yumi asked.

"I really don't want know that." Sam said.

"Let's find Theo." Jeremie suggested.

The others agreed and walked around dodging the wild party animals. A girl tapped Odd's shoulder began flirting with him.

Taken aback, Odd didn't know how to respond. Sam decided to respond for him. "Back off, sister, this guy's mine!" she yelled threateningly. The girl scowled and walked off.

"Sam."

"What?" Sam said angrily, turning to her boyfriend.

"Did that girl look like she was in high school to you?"

Sam's anger quickly evaporated as she realized that the girl indeed look like she was in high school.

"Okay, let's find Theo, NOW!" Sam declared.

They asked around, and were told that they could find him in the basement.

"Who spends time in the basement when they're throwing a party?" Yumi asked.

"Theo was always unique, to put nicely." Aelita commented.

They knocked on the basement door, and Theo opened it and smiled at them. "Oh, hi guys! What's up?" They all looked Theo as if he were just completely stupid. He frowned when he noticed they were glaring at him.

"What's with the high schoolers?" Jeremie asked.

Theo's frown grew bigger. "Oh, sorry about that. My little, idiot brother decided to throw a party the same day I wanted to throw one. Because he had more guests coming, my parents said he got the living room and kitchen, while I get the basement. I tell you, it absolutely SUCKS to live with your parents and an annoying brother when you're a freaking grown man. I can't wait to move outta here! I've almost got enough money to get my own apartment."

"Trust me, Theo; I know exactly how you feel." Yumi said as she laid a hand on his shoulder consolingly.

"Really?" Theo asked.

"You remember Hiroki."

"Oh yeah, he used to bug you all the time." Theo reminisced.

"Why do you think I moved all the way to America from Japan?" Yumi exclaimed.

Theo laughed. "Come on in. Everyone's already here."

They entered the nicely furnished basement. They all sat around and talked about how much fun they had during college.

"So, I here that you, Yumi landed a job as the secretary of the new owner of Stern Enterprises." A girl name Mattie commented.

"Yeah, I have."

"How is it? Is he a complete bore? Or is he as awesome as he is hot?" Another girl, Lindsey, asked.

"He's pretty cool."

"Well it's good to know that some of us are successful out there in the real world." Theo commented.

"Well it was a no brainer that Yumi would be." Sam said.

"Yeah, you were so serious about every class. Every single test, paper, and discussion had to be done perfectly." Mattie teased.

"I still remember the time you wrote that non-credited essay for Mr. Wan only to get a fieldtrip to his brother's store." Lindsey laughed.

"Well it was a good essay. It prepared me for my six-figure salary job anyways." Yumi said proudly.

"Now, Yumi don't rub your paycheck is us hard working middle-class people's faces." Sam chided.

"Well she did get a free steak." Odd pointed out. "It's better than nothing."

"We know you'd love a free steak." Jeremie retorted

"It's not the fact that it's free that makes him love it though." Theo said. "It's that fact that it's food really." Everyone laughed

"So is this everyone, you invited?" Yumi asked.

"No, I invited a few other people. Some are actually out there partying with the high school folk." Theo answered.

"Some people never grow up." Aelita said as she shook her head. As if she or anyone in the basement had room to talk.

"Hey, where's your bathroom?" Yumi asked.

"It's to the right when you leave out of the basement." Theo mumbled.

Yumi stood up and left. She walked down the hall moving in and out of the immature misfits. High school. Now there was a time that Yumi could do without. Okay, it wasn't that bad. But all of that drama she could do without. The cheating, yelling, fighting, rumors, crying, and lying were just ridiculous. She was so glad that she was an adult now. She wouldn't have to deal with such chaotic drama. She reached two doors. One to her left and another on the right. She complained about Theo's lousy directions. Not knowing which door to pick; she picked the one on the left. She opened the door to see nothing but darkness. She felt around for the light switch and flicked it on. The light revealed a couple furiously making out on a bed.

"Oh, sorry!" Yumi squealed. The girl on top, twisted around, and the guy leaned to the side to see who the intruder was. "I'll just be on—William?" Yumi was flabbergasted. William was cheating on her with some skank! How dare he! "Just what the heck do you think you're doing here with this tramp?" Yumi pointed to the girl and did a quick double take. She stared at the girl in complete and utter surprise. She felt an icy lump form in her chest. She couldn't even form words. She stood there for a good minute, completely dumbfounded. She finally found her words and uttered a name.

"Emily?"

I am so evil because I'm ending it right here. Sorry, see what happens next in Chapter 5: Yumi's Worst Day