Hey, I'm back with chapter 12. It's been a while. I wanted to enjoy my break and take a break from everything. But I'm back and here's a nice juicy chapter for you. I might not update too often. I'm in my last semester of high school, so I'm getting college stuff situated. Plus I do need to start paying attention to my other stories. At least The Best of Times The Worst of Times. It's my oldest and for sure the longest one I'll write and I REALLY need to get a move on. I have a lot of this story planned out now, so maybe that will help with this story being updated. I sure hope it does (as long as I don't decide to change or add anything else).

Anyways, here's Chapter 12: Current Relationships and Past Relationships.

It had been a couple of weeks after Ulrich had finally started coming to work regularly. He wasn't stiff around Emily or William, so he was making great strides to acting like his old self more often . . . especially around Yumi. Of course one reason was because everyone was busy with the signing of adding on the United King of Gaming Company (the name's a bit of a joke; just think about it and you might notice that it sound similar to something else).

"So we'll have the contract signing next week." Ulrich chirped. "Yes . . . that's great, everyone would love a party . . . I'm looking forward to working with you all too. Bye." Ulrich ended his call with the CEO of the UK Company. He beamed at Yumi who was watching him with baited breath—a smile slowly forming on her own face from his words.

"So it's final?" she asked.

"Yes. Next week, we will be able to open our games to the entire UK market!" Ulrich exclaimed. They both cheered and high-fived each other. Then they gave each a hug, but quickly separated, a blush forming on their faces.

"This wouldn't have been possible if you hadn't have held down the fort when I was absent, Yumi." Ulrich stated.

"Well that is what you hired me for. If you can't rely on me, you're screwed."

Ulrich chuckled. "Yeah, but you've definitely gone out of your way loads of times. More than any other secretary would have."

"I am awesome." Yumi said with a nod.

"Don't inflate your ego just yet. The UK is actually easy pickings. I mean, they've been waiting around for us to come to them for a while. The real battle is with Asia. I mean, they have the real gaming dynasties—especially your beloved Japan. Sony and Nintendo. If we could amp up our video gaming dept. we'd be able to expand into them with no problems."

"Well shouldn't we get Sony anyways? I mean with our other forms of media, we'd still make a great asset for them."

"True, but a full package is always much better than just part of a full deal."

"So are we getting right onto Asia, or what?"

"No, we'll conquer the rest of Europe through the UK. Once they're covered, Asia will start to size us up because of our conquest."

"Oh, so we're taking over the world now?" Yumi smirked.

Ulrich gave her a crazy look. "Yes! Now that all of the United Kingdom is under my control. We shall move on to the rest of Europe. Soon, South America and Australia will fall. And then it's on to Asia. And then I'll have the whole world!" Ulrich then let out a maniacal laugh. "Join me, Yumi, in my maniacal laughter." Yumi chuckled and then joined them as they let out evil cackles.

The door to their office opened, and their friends came in. "What's going on in here?" Sam asked.

"Oooh! You guys are laughing maniacally?" Aelita squealed. "I want to join!" she said as she started cackling.

"Please, Aelita. Don't sink to their level." Jeremie moaned as he shook his head.

"I want to join in too." Odd said as he laughed a very loud and obnoxious cackle.

"All my friends are idiots." Sam said. Jeremie frowned at her. "Well except for you, Jeremie."

"Can someone tell us what's going on?" Jeremie asked.

Ulrich stopped laughing. "If you must know. I just sealed the deal with the United King of Gaming Company."

"Wow! That's awesome!" Odd exclaimed. "What's that mean?"

"That means that our company will now sell it's games in England, Scotland, AND Ireland. Isn't that wonderful, Odd." Yumi said talking as if she were answering a four-year-old.

"I'm not four, you know." Odd said.

"You act like you're three." Sam muttered.

"You find three-year-olds attractive?" Odd retorted.

"Touché." Sam said, raising her hands in surrender.

"Well congratulations, to the both of you." Jeremie said.

"I'm so happy for you!" Aelita squealed. "My friends are so talented! You'll probably get all of Europe now. And then the whole world will want in. And you'll be able to sell your games and stories to everyone. You could become an international businessman. Which is really neat considering your company isn't even a corporation. Wow, Ulrich and Yumi, you two are just awesome together!"

"We are a great team." Yumi acknowledged.

"I bet you two would make for a better couple." Sam said slyly.

"Sam, I'm going to miss your snide remarks." Ulrich said.

"What do you mean by miss?"

"Because I think Yumi's going to kill one day because of them." Sam looked at her friend who was red in face with a mixture of embarrassment and anger.

"Yeah, that's not a good look for you, Yumes." Sam said trying to calm her "friend" down.

"Hey, so why are you guys here, anyways?" Ulrich asked.

"Well we're all going on a double date, and we thought we'd drop by and say hello." Jeremie began.

"Again?" Yumi exclaimed. "You went on one last night!"

"Yumi, due to your inability to keep a man, you don't know how fun double dates are. But maybe one day you'll find someone tolerant enough to experience the delights and joys of a double date." Jeremie said.

"I love how you use such wit to make a joke." Ulrich commented as he ruffled a disgruntled Yumi's hair.

She swatted his hand away. "It's not my fault that men can be such sensitive prats." She grumbled.

"Well I don't think it's their fault they have to put up with such a sharp-tounged devil like yourself, Yumes." Ulrich teased.

"What do you know about it?" Yumi scowled.

"Oh, come on." Aelita said. "Jeremie and Ulrich do have a point. You're mean." Aelita said, pointing right at her in a childish way.

"Now who's four?" Odd said.

"Yeah, but it's cute when Aelita does it." Jeremie defended.

"Thank you, Jer." Aelita said as she kissed him on the cheek.

"Guys ,we gotta go!" Odd yelled. "If we don't hurry, we'll miss the buffet special!"

"Well it looks like Odd's stomach hinders us from banter." Jeremie said. "Bye."

"You know, sometimes, I think Jeremie eats the dictionary." Odd said randomly.

Everyone gave him a weird a look. "Why's that?" Sam asked.

"Because he uses words that people don't normally use, and it makes my brain hurts."

"Thinking hurts your brain." Jeremie retorted as the two of them bickered out the door with their girlfriends rolling their eyes and wondering what they ever saw in them.

Yumi was still frowning as they left. "Why the long face?" Ulrich asked.

"Believe it or not, it really bothers me that I can't keep a guy around."

"Oh, Yumes, you don't need some guy around."

"Yes, I do. I want to get married and have a family, you know."

"Just give it time." Ulrich said as he patted her on the head. She swatted his hand away again.

"Stop doing that." She said.

"No, it's fun, because you get all upset." Ulrich said.

"And I'm impossible to deal with?"

"Yeah, but when I do it, it's funny. When you do it, it hurts."

"Like this?" Yumi said as she gave him a playful shove.

"No, that's just a weak, prissy attack. Who are you, Sissi?"

"Hey, Sissi is not weak. I've seen what she does to people she hates."

"Me too." Ulrich said thinking about all of the times Sissi went to war with girls that were vying for his affection. "Maybe, Mitch is your guy." Ulrich joked. Yumi sighed.

"Mitch is annoying." Yumi whined.

"Yeah, but you insult him all the time, and he still thinks you're attractive. Course I always thought there was something wrong with him, and I think his attraction to you proves it."

"I'll hurt you, Ulrich." Yumi threatened.

"Ooh, I'm scared." Ulrich said as he pretended to faint from fright.

Yumi tackled him and fell on the couch, with Yumi landing on top of him.

"How dare you tackle your boss!" Ulrich yelled.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Yumi asked.

"This!" Ulrich said as he grabbed her in order to flip her onto the couch. Yumi, however, was too quick and grabbed a pillow and started smothering him. Ulrich yelled muffled cries of help, making Yumi laugh. Yumi removed the pillow, to see Ulrich gasp for air.

"You're a demon." He said, laughing while trying to catch his breath at the same time. "Oh, seeing as we need to expand our video games. I'll need your help in checking them. So let's start playing them soon—with the others of course." Ulrich informed.

"Okay. We could start this weekend if they don't have another double date planned." Yumi said.

It was settled that they'd have Video Game Night on Saturday. Everyone except for Ulrich were lounging around in the girls' apartment.

"Do you think he's brining over the new Road Rage 3?" Odd asked.

"How the heck should we know?" Sam replied.

"Well he should. I mean, there's rumors of it coming out soon. I could play before anyone else gets to play it! The guys at work will be jealous."

"Yes, Nicholas and Herve who have no lives will definitely be jealous." Jeremie said. "Considering they get jealous whenever we tell them they have other friends other each other, that's not really hard to do."

"Thank you, Jeremie, for shooting down my hopes and dreams of rubbing it in their faces . . . killjoy."

"Where's Ulrich?" Sam yelled in frustration from the constant bickering of the two boys.

"Did someone ask for Ulrich?" said man yelled from behind the door.

"Thank God! He's here!" Aelita exclaimed. "Now shut up, you two!" she yelled menacingly. The two boys were instantly silenced by fear.

"Okay, I brought six games, and seeing as there's six of us, that means two people won't be playing at all times. So we'll just rotate."

"That's okay. If we split into couples, the couples could make out or whatever." Sam said nonchalantly. Ulrich and Yumi stared at her in disbelief. "Oh—or they don't have to—I mean—I didn't think about the fact that you two would—I'll just shut up now."

Yumi continued staring at her, and then turned to the others. "Right, so who wants to play first?"

"Me! I called it! I am playing and there's nothing you can do to stop me!" Odd said.

30 minutes later

"Why do we have to play this boring game first?" Odd whined.

"Are you crazy? Quantum Motion is a very stimulating and mind-challenging game to play." Jeremie said.

"These puzzles aren't that bad, Odd." Sam said as she solved another section of her puzzle, as she continued through the maze that she was in.

"This game is for nerds." Odd said.

"And that's why idiots like you will never win." Jeremie said as smiled in another victory.

Ulrich put his controller down. "I think this would have been a little suspenseful if Aelita played."

"I know. At least she'd give Jeremie a run for his money." Yumi said as she yawned.

"Well seeing as Jeremie's won for the umpteenth time, let's move on." Sam declared.

"Well that's great." Jeremie said. "I find a game I'm actually good at, and you guys don't wanna play."

"That's because a genius like you shouldn't be allowed to win. You're too smart. You shouldn't understand the inner workings of something as puerile and trivial as a video game." Odd stated.

There was absolute silence. "Uh, did Odd just say the word puerile and used it correctly?" Ulrich asked.

"OH MY GOD! This game has magical powers!" Aelita screamed. "It lets stupid people sound smart!"

"You know, I'm getting very distraught over your exclama—okay this game is changing me, and it's starting to scare me too." Odd said.

When they finally got through two more games, they decided to take a break and eat.

"Road Rage 3 is awesome! Odd said. I mean, you actually get to wreak havoc in the zoo!"

"Odd's right. Video games are puerile and trivial." Jeremie concluded.

"Road Rage is for kids anyways." Ulrich commented.

Sam was simply listening to everyone as she ate her slice of pizza. She then notice something sparkle to her left. She looked for the source, and her eyes grew big.

"WAIT A MINUTE!" she screamed. Everyone looked at her. "Aelita! Is that, Is that" she said as she pointed to the her—more specifically to her hand. "On your hand, is that a—,"

"IT'S AN ENGAGEMENT RING!" Yumi finished. There was silence for a split second, and then everyone except for Aelita and Jeremie erupted into loud questionings and cheers.

"Way to go, Jer!" Odd yelled.

"When did you pop the question?" Ulrich asked.

"Check out that rock!" Sam said.

"I'm so happy for you two." Yumi squealed.

After everyone calmed down, they told them when and how it happened.

"He proposed yesterday." Aelita started. "You know, he took me out to dinner. And then we went out for a walk and we stopped in front of the rose garden, and apparently he paid the gardener to rearrange the flowers so that the colors made words the read, "Will You Marry Me, Aelita." I turned around, and he was quivering on both of knees as he tried to propose."

"AWWW!" everyone cooed. Jeremie blushed.

"Quivering on both knees?" Ulrich asked.

"I was nervous." Jeremie said.

"Yeah, but I mean you sound like such a dork." Odd said.

"It's not like you've ever proposed." Jeremie retorted. "And when will you? I mean Sam's not gonna wait around forever."

"Uh, well . . ." Odd trailed off, giving a side glance to Sam. She smirked at him, knowing that got him shut up really fast."

"Well, I have to admit, proposing is really nerve wracking." Ulrich said. Everyone gave him a cautious glance, wondering if it was okay to talk about him and Emily. Ulrich chuckled. "Don't worry guys, I'm over it."

"You sure?" asked Odd.

"Yeah."

"But it was only like a month ago. How'd you get over it so fast?" Sam asked.

A light blush appeared on his cheeks. "Yeah, well, I've just had more important things come up in my life, and I realized that they were much better than Emily."

"Like what?" Aelita asked, catching the hint.

"Well . . . the business . . . my parents . . . you guys." Ulrich sighed. He turned his head to the side, facing away from Yumi who was next to him and rather confused to his behavior. "It's just that I've realized that there are some things that make not having Emily around much more bearable."

"Yeah, I bet there is." Jeremie chortled.

"Yeah, that business of yours does keep you preoccupied, huh?" Sam said winking at him. Ulrich's blush grew deeper. Yumi looked around as Sam, Aelita, Jeremie, and Odd laughed at Ulrich uneasiness. Yumi was completely oblivious to whatever was so funny.

"I'm lost, what're you guys, talking about?" she finally asked.

"Yumi! Ulrich's obviously got a girl on his mind." Sam said. Ulrich frowned as his face grew redder and he refused to look Yumi in the eyes at all.

"Oh! Wow, Ulrich, you work fast." She exclaimed. "So business, huh? She must be someone from work." Yumi gasped. "It's not Sissi is it?" Ulrich actually laughed.

"No, it's not Sissi, but don't think I'm telling any of you anymore."

"Well I hope she's not another Emily."

"She's nothing of the sort." Ulrich said.

"I don't know, Ulrich. Women can be very manipulative and malicious. I think you should keep a close eye on her. Who knows what kind of trickery she's up to?"

"Okay, MOM. Why are you so defensive?" Ulrich asked.

Yumi stuttered. "Oh, well I just, I mean I just don't want to go through with you breaking down again. I-It's real tiresome you know."

"I think she's jealous." Odd said in a loud whisper that everyone could hear.

"So I can't care for a friend's welfare without being accused of jealousy?" Yumi glared.

"He's just messing with you." Sam said. "Let's just get back to more games."

After they finished playing video games well into the night, the boys got ready to leave. "Hey, heads up. We're having a party to commemorate the contract signing, and you all are welcome to come." Ulrich said. "It's this Tuesday, and yes, Odd, there will be lots of food."

"You know me so well." Odd chirped. As the guys exited the apartment, Sam and Aelita smiled at Yumi.

"What?" she asked.

"What do you mean what? Ulrich! He likes someone! And we know who it is." Sam said.

"How do you know?"

"It's obvious." Aelita said. "It's you, duh."

Yumi laughed. "I don't know what you two have been smoking, but Ulrich's mystery girl (there's another phrase you might know lol) is not me."

"Yes, it is!" Sam said. "You're the only on at work that Ulrich hangs out with besides Sissi, and she's like a sister to him, so it can't be her."

"I don't know what's funny; Ulrich's crush on you, or the way you jealous."

"I was not jealous!" Yumi denied. "I really don't want to see Ulrich get hurt again. It's a really nice guy, and he deserves better."

"I'll say." Sam agreed. "And the best way you can make sure that some gold digger doesn't come along and take him is if you date him." Sam said. Yumi blushed.

"There is nothing between us." Yumi insisted.

"Whatever." Sam said.

"Deny it all you want." Aelita said. "You know the truth."

The party had come quickly, and everyone was is high spirits for the grand occasion. The contract signing commenced the celebration and everyone was now having a good time. It being a formal party, Yumi made sure to dress to impress with her silk, black dress and she had her hair done in a tight bun.

"Yumi, you're stunning!" Ulrich said he greeted her.

"Thanks. You fill out that tux nicely." She returned the compliment.

"Ah, Mr. Stern. There you are, I'm looking forward to our companies working together." Mr. Bernard, the CEO of the United King of Gaming Company said. He obviously wanted to talk business, so Yumi knew to move on. She frowned. She wanted to hang out with Ulrich.

"Ah, Yumi, turn that frown up-side down." Mitch said as he put an arm around her.

"Oh, hey, Mitch." Yumi said as she forced a smile.

"How's my beautiful princess doing?"

"How would I know? I've never met her." Yumi said.

"Ow, your words cut deep, my love." Mitch said.

"Mitch, why don't you try going out with someone younger?"

"But I need a seasoned woman like yourself." He protested.

"Yumi, I know you're not flirting with the waiter!" Sam teased.

"I am not a waiter." Mitch said. "I'm a president in Stern Co. I'll have you know."

"Yeah, president of the mailing room." Yumi mumbled.

"Mailing room? Then you must be the fast Mitch I've heard about." Sam said.

"Oh she's mentioned me?"

"Only in insults, kid." Odd said.

"Well I wish she would have mentioned you two beauties to me." Mitch said as she kissed Sam and Aelita's hands.

"Hey, they're taken." Jeremie said as he stood next to Aelita and Odd put his arm around Sam's waist.

"Why are you two so protective. He's just a college freshman. You're scared we'll run out on you for him?" Sam said.

"Well he is sweet." Aelita said, making Mitch beam at the two ladies.

"You're right. He's not as obnoxious as Odd is."

"That's a lie." Yumi said. "He's nothing but."

"Oh, you're just trying to keep him for yourself." Sam said.

"She's greedy. Ulrich's heart isn't enough for her."

"Ladies, no need to fuss. I'll take all of you out." Mitch said.

"Sorry, Mitch, but we are in love with our boyfriends." Aelita said.

"And Yumi's got her sight set on someone else." Sam said. Yumi glared at her.

"Well when you're ready for a real man, I'll still be here." Mitch said.

"He's full of himself." Odd said.

"You were the same way since middle school, and you've only gotten worst since then." Jeremie stated bluntly, making the girls laugh.

"Now that cut deep." Sam said.

"Yumi? Is that you?" everyone turned around to see a very suave man standing behind Yumi. His thick black hair was neat slicked back. He was tall and elegant. His face looked like it was carved out of stone into a handsome face that the Greeks would die to claim as their creation. He was in a word: Perfect. Or at least he looked perfect.

"Zander?" Yumi said.

The man obviously named Zander smiled (and such an intoxicating smile it was). "Yumi! It is you." He said as he grabbed Yumi into a hug. She stiffened. "I've missed you."

"Zander, what-what are you doing here?" she asked, frowning.

"I work for the UKG Company."

"Oh." Was all that Yumi could say. She was very confused, and didn't know how she felt about seeing him here.

"Of all the places to meet, it had to be here." Sam said, disgruntled as she gave Zander a piercing glare.

"It's nice to see you too, Sam."

"It's nothing but nice to see you." Sam scowled.

"I see you're as forward as ever. I hope you haven't gotten yourself arrested since last time."

"Arrested?" Odd repeated. Sam clenched her hands into fists.

"Those were false charges, and you know you set me up."

"It's only false because I was there to tell them."

"Leave us alone!" Aelita spoke up.

Zander gave Aelita a fake but rather convincing smile. "I sweet Aelita. If it wasn't for your naivety, Sam wouldn't have had to get arrested. How does it feel to know you almost ruined your friend's life?"

"Why don't you just leave?" Jeremie said as he grabbed Aelita's hand. The gesture made Zander notice the rings on their fingers.

"Oh, so you must be her fiancé! You're lucky to have such an angel on your arm. I mean she's so needy, she'd take just about anyone, and judging from looks you really couldn't get any other girl if you tried." Jeremie stepped forward, but Odd grabbed him by the shoulder.

"This jerk's not worth it."

Zander stared at Odd's hair. "My goodness, what are you? A freak no doubt. What is up with your hair?"

"Hey, the ladies love it."

"Sorry, but I don't think Sam qualifies as lady material. She's too wild and has the manners of a caveman." Zander said, smirking.

Odd started to speak, but Zander turned his back to him and addressed, Yumi. "Yumi it's been so long! I've missed you so much."

"Just leave, Zander. You've already gotten under everyone's skin." Yumi said, looking at the ground. She was completely paralyzed.

"I have? Well it's not my fault they can't take a joke."

"Joke? You joke with people's lives, Zander!" Sam said.

"I never hurt anybody. Which is more than I can say about you."

"Zander, please." Yumi hissed.

Zander frowned. He looked truly sorry as he hung his head. "I-I'm sorry. You know how I am, Yumi. I have a bad temper and I just don't know how to talk to people. I'm sorry for what I've said. You know how it is though. I mean you've had problems with expressing yourself in front of people."

"Leave her alone!" Sam yelled.

"I really think that's what makes us understand each other. I mean we seemed to be the only ones who get each other in this whole world."

"Zander Walls!" everyone turned around to see Ulrich smiling at the unwanted guest.

"If it isn't Ulrich Stern. I haven't seen you since my father's last party. That was a year ago. When he gave me Game World Infinity. And now your father's given you Stern Co. I guess we were destined to join—us being the sons of powerful men."

"Yes, it was then. So I take it the rumors of you joining with UKG are true then."

"Yes, that's why I'm here. I'm now a member of the Board of Directors of UKG."

"It's such a shame though." Ulrich said. "I mean you could have easily absorbed UKG, but I guess you made one mistake too many, and now you've gotten absorbed."

Zander's smiled faltered a little. "Well we all can't have your prowess can we? I mean you've made one great decisions after another. You've managed your fund well; you merged with UKG; you proposed to Emily—oh wait, that one didn't go too well did it?" Everyone glanced at Ulrich. He flinched at the sound of her name, but he was solid.

"Yeah, Emily was a failure."

"That makes her like number 15 or something in the long line of girls that have used you."

"Seventeen to be exact." Ulrich said. Zander laughed. "So I take it that you know, these guys?"

"Sam, Aelita, and Yumi—yes. I just met these two gentlemen today."

"Well isn't this a nice reunion then?" Ulrich asked.

"Like I'd ever want to meet him again. How do you know this jackass anyway?" Sam asked.

Ulrich had look of surprise on his face, obviously acting as if he didn't see that coming. "Jackass? What did you say, Xander? I mean you're a very brutally honest guy, but really!"

"Well it's like you said, my brutal honesty is too much for them."

"Hey, Yumi and I crack sarcastic jokes and say brutally honest things all the time, but no one calls us jackass with such spite."

"Well I don't know about you, but Yumi's been called much worse in high school AND college. Why don't you ask Sam if you're curious?" Sam was seething, and was Yumi shaking.

"Well they're friends now. But you must know them really well to know that."

Zander's eyes brightened with delight. "Yeah, Yumi and I used to be an item. We went out for three years. The last year of high school, and the first two years of college."

"Ah, what happened to break up such a cute, sarcastic couple?"

"I didn't want to leave Yumi, but she felt she couldn't take my sarcasm anymore."

"Aww, did she think you were jackass too?" Ulrich asked. Zander's smile faltered again.

"I was a bit of a jackass. A lot of girls think that of me. But better a jackass than a whipped pushover. Seventeen girls—and you still can't tell whether you're being used. That's kind of stupid."

"It is. But I as long as I'm not the user and the leech, I can live with myself."

"Yeah, but you're being used now, don't you think?"

"What do you mean?"

"Yumi. She's already lied to you about Emily—so I've heard—and you haven't fired her? Just a pay cut—this is just what I've heard now. If you're not careful, you might get used by someone who you're not even dating.

"Yumi's not that kind of a person."

Zander looked down at Yumi. "She used me." He said with no emotion, making his words cold and hard for Yumi to hear.

"I never used you." She hissed.

"That's how you see it. But I gave you everything you ever wanted, and you dumped me. I really loved you. It hurts deeply even now. I mean, I know how much you want to take care of your own self, but did you have to leave me to do it?"

"I left you because you wouldn't stop trying to help me. You kept trying to give me things and telling me what was best for me."

"I'm sorry. I just cared about you so much, that I didn't want you to make the wrong decision. But Ulrich won't spoil you. Sure he didn't fire you and gave you a job you don't have experience for, but it's worked out fine so far. I just hope it doesn't end up the way it did between me and you."

"It's not your entire fault" Yumi consoled. "You're just hard guy to get along with. No one can take your jokes without a tough skin. If you weren't so forward all the time," Yumi started.

"I remember that those were the same words Aelita said to you before that whole "incident" happened."

Aelita gasped, as she remembered, and walked away. Jeremie ran after her.

"See, you just can't stop being a jackass." Ulrich said.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Zander said. He looked hurt. "I'm not good with these social things. It's the reason my business fell under. I'm sorry. I'll just leave." He mumbled. He gave Yumi a sorrowful smile and walked off.

"Um, is there something you want to tell us?" Odd asked Sam and Yumi. "Like, what was he talking about?"

"Please! I don't want to go through that again." Sam said.

"Sam's right. Just leave it in the past. It's over now, and I don't want to go back to that."

"Yeah, right, you didn't even try to stop him. You actually tried to justify him."

"He's just brutally honest, like me." Yumi said.

"Like you? He's on another lev—I'm not going through this again! He hasn't changed, and I hope to God you were lying when you said the ONLY reason you left him was because he gave you too much."

"Everything that happened was not his fault! He didn't do anything .What happened was because you two would accept him, and I was too stubborn in trying to force you all to get along."

"Yeah, you were stubborn. But I can't believe you're saying it was our fault, and he was innocent! He made Aelita cry just now! Doesn't that mean anything to you! He's a monster, Yumi."

"He-he's just misunderstood. You heard him. Didn't you see the way he looked? He didn't mean to hurt Aelita. He was just taking it too far. He's nice guy, but you're too blind to see that!"

"NO ONE SEES IT BUT YOU! SO I WONDER WHO'S THE BLIND, NAÏVE IDIOT!" Sam yelled in tears. And she stormed off with Odd following her.

"You see it don't, you Ulrich. I mean, he's like us. He's just more overbearing than we are."

"You still love him, don't you?" Ulrich said bluntly, catching Yumi off guard.

"What? No I don't!" Yumi shook her head and snorted.

Ulrich chuckled. "It's obvious that you do. I gather he was the source of some big argument between you and Sam and Aelita, and you broke up with him because you wanted to make them happy and didn't want to lose them as friends."

Yumi sighed. "You're right. I won't say I love him, but there are still feelings there. And I did leave him for the reasons I stated earlier, and for the one you gave. But he really is a great guy. He just doesn't know when to quit. It's not his fault that no one gives him a chance." Yumi smiled. "But you see that don't you, Ulrich? You too were trading insults back and forth, and it was in all good fun."

"I never realized how ignorant someone could be unless they really want to be." Ulrich said plainly. Yumi's eyes grew big. "But I don't fault you. I must have been far more ignorant when it came to Emily. She was number seventeen after all. I had to have seen it coming."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Zander is a manipulative, spiteful, leeching, instigator. He's just pure evil, Yumi. He's just good at hiding it to those that he wants, and he wants you. But Zander's no fool. He knows he can't have you as long as you're friends with Aelita and Sam. So far, he's doing a pretty good job at splitting you two up."

"He's not doing anything! Don't tell me you really believe he's that kind of a person!"

"He is. I've known Zander since elementary school. Ask Sissi, she knows him too. I don't like him. But I trust Yumi. I know you'll do the right thing. You're a smart woman, and you think for yourself. You'll leave him in due—,"

"Leave him? As if that's the only option I have? He's done nothing wrong! He's like me . . . and you—,"

"I do not want to be anything like Zander. I take that as in insult." Ulrich said. "It's best for everyone if you don't see him again."

"You may be my boss, but don't control, my life Ulrich. I'll talk to whomever I want to." Yumi said defiantly.

"Yumi, just look at what he's done so far. He's not someone you should hang around with!"

"Ulrich, just stop it! I don't want us to fight. Please." Yumi said on the verge of tears. Ulrich frowned.

"At least make up with Sam and check on Aelita. I don't want you three fighting. Especially not because of some guy." Ulrich stepped forward to embrace her in a hug, but Yumi stepped away from him. Ulrich was hurt by her action as he lowered his arms. "I'll see you at work tomorrow." He said as he waved, but as he expected, she didn't wave back. Yumi just stood in confusion as to what she should do.

Wow, I've been typing since 11:30, and it's 3:26 AM. Yeah I typed this whole thing in one go. I am freakin' tired. This was very intense, and I honestly didn't even mean for the argument to start out like that, but this is much better.

In the next chapter, see if Yumi makes up with her friends and if she tries to avoid Zander. Business still goes on, and Aelita and Jeremie have to start planning for their wedding.