"It's so horrible about Nina's Gran," Amber said. Jerome, Alfie, Mick, and Patricia all groaned.

"Amber, will you stop with it already!" Patricia exclaimed.

"What? Don't you feel bad for her?"

"Well of course we feel bad for her, but not shutting up about is not only going to make matters worse for Nina, but it's going to drive us all insane," Jerome said, obviously annoyed. The table fell silent for a moment. A mischievous smile slowly spread across Alfie's face.

"Hey, Jerome," Alfie called. "Fancy some more oatmeal?" Alfie scooped up a huge spoonful of oatmeal and flung it across the table, hitting Jerome square in the face. Jerome looked like he was about to retaliate, but before he had the chance he was interrupted as a certain dismal landlord entered the room.

"What is going on here?" the man demanded. The students looked around the table, waiting for someone to say something. Patricia, not one to leave questions unanswered, was the first to speak.

"So, what's the deal? Is Nina going back to America or not?" Patricia asked.

"Miss Williamson, I don't see how that is any of your business."

"Oh, come on Victor! I think as her house we have the right to know if we're going to get a second replacement for Joy in the same term." If it was possible, Victor's scowl became deeper.

"Vermin…all of you vermin," he muttered as he left the room.

"That man really gives me the creeps sometimes," Mick said, still staring at the doorway.

"Mick! Respect your elders!" Trudy scolded, laughing behind her hand.

"Trudy, do you know?" Patricia questioned. Trudy was second in command in the house, some would even question first if you think of all the times she has dismissed Victor's anger at him being high and mighty, and the times where she overrules his authority.

"Know what, dear?" Trudy asked.

"Is Nina going back to America?"

"Well, she is going to have to return for her grandmother's funeral and to pack up her things."

"Will she be coming back?" Amber asked, her voice cracking. Trudy looked up at Amber in shock.

"Um, well, I don't know dear, I guess that all depends on what Nina and her new guardians decide. But it may very well be that Nina is to stay in America."

"But she has the scholarship! It isn't as if they have to give up any money to keep her here!"

"I know, Amber, but whoever is to take care of Nina may not be comfortable with her being so far away, especially so soon after the death of her grandmother."

"Trudy," Mara spoke up. "Do you know when Nina is leaving?"

"First thing Saturday morning, I think. I know she wanted to stay for the rest of term."

"Is she leaving all by herself?" Amber asked.

"No, Amber, she's taking Victor with her," Jerome joked. Amber and Mara rolled their eyes. Trudy shot him a disapproving look, although she had to admit, under different circumstances it would have been sort of funny.

"Yes, Amber, Nina is going back by herself."

"Well that's just horrible!" Amber exclaimed. "She shouldn't be all alone!" Amber had a troubled look on her face, soon replaced by one of excitement. "I know! What if we go with her?" Amber suggested. All eyes fell on Amber.

"Ambs, what are you talking about?" Mick asked cautiously.

"Nina's Gran was the most important person her life. She was her only family! After a loss that big, she shouldn't be alone," Amber reasoned.

"I agree with Amber." Heads turned towards the doorway to see Fabian leaning against the frame Unlike the others, he was still wearing her bed clothes.

"I've already discussed it with Nina and my parents. I'm going to America with her for part of the break."

"See? Even Fabian agrees with me. That makes me a genius." Amber smiled triumphantly.

"You're going to America with Nina?" Patricia asked, a scowl freshly plastered on her face. Fabian sighed.

"Yes, Patricia. I am."

"I want to go too!" Amber exclaimed. "To support Nina, of course." Amber turned towards Mick and Mara. "Well? What about you two?" Mara sat up a little straighter.

"Does this mean you're talking to me now?" Mara asked, a hopeful look on her face.

"Of course I'm talking to you now, Mara! A friend is in need and we all need to pull together to help her."

"So…does this mean you aren't mad at me anymore?"

"Mara, I was hurt and emotional and I just had to ask myself WWVB. And then it all became clear," Amber replied happily before turning back to her food. Mick and Mara looked at each other, both feeling a little confused.

"Um, Ambs, what, exactly, became clear?" Mick asked.

"Silly! Victoria Beckham would record a really good break up song and then go snog David Beckham!"

"So, you're going to record a song and then snog David Beckham?" Mara asked. Amber's reply had only confused her even more. But then again, was it really that big of a surprise?

"No! I could never disrespect Victoria Beckham like that. And besides, if anywhere, this face belongs on the big screen, not the big billboard.

"Well, I'm going too, then." Patricia added suddenly. That caught quite a bit attention. Jerome choked on his water.

"You? But you don't even like Nina," Mara said.

"Well…I feel bad for her. I mean, she just lost her Gran, Mara, can't you be even a little sympathetic?" Mara opened her mouth to say something, but Jerome started talking over her.

"Well, if Patricia is going, I'm going. If anything just to watch this catastrophe unfold. Right Alfie?"

"Uh, right! I think…"

"Look, guys, I know you want to be there for Nina but you should really check with her first," Fabian said.

"Alright!" Alfie got up and started walking towards the stairs.

"Alfie. Alfie! Stop!" Alfie turned around and looked at Fabian questioningly. "She's sleeping."

"…Okay? You said go ask her!"

"I didn't mean now, Alfie! She's sleeping. Let her be." Alfie dropped his head and sulked back to his seat.

"Alfie, how dare you even suggest waking up the princess! She can't come out in the sunlight or she shall melt! Oh wait…-pause for dramatic effect- I forgot. That's Patricia who can't see sunlight!" Patricia glared and threw her napkin at Jerome.

"Wait, how do you know Nina is sleeping?" Amber asked. Fabian looked up from his plate.

"I just checked on her? I walked into your room and she was sleeping. So please try not to wake her up, Amber." Amber nodded, looking like she was deep in thought. Suddenly, she stood up (rather quickly, if I might add) and started to leave the room.

"I'm going to get ready for school!" she exclaimed before practically running out the door.

"I thought she already was ready?" Mick asked, looking at Mara, who simply shrugged in response.

-Upstairs-

Amber slowly pushed the door open and stuck her head inside.

"Nina. Nina, are you sleeping?" she whispered. She walked over to Nina's bed and leaned down. "Niiiiiiiiiinaaaaaaaaaaa wake up!" Nina groggily opened her eyes. A little disoriented at first, it took Nina a moment to realize that Amber was right next to her face. She let out a gasp and jolted backwards, hitting her head on the headboard in the process.

"Ow, Amber, what do you want?" she asked. She was rubbing her head in pain at her rude awakening.

"Sorry, Nina, are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Sorry for snapping. Now, what's up?"

"I was wondering." Amber sat down on the edge of Nina's bed. "I mean, I feel like since we started sharing a room we've gotten to be very close…" Her voice trailed off. She was having a hard time looking Nina in the eyes. As of present, she was focusing on the ceiling.

"Amber?" Nina sat up. "Is everything okay?"

"Nina, I'm really sorry about your Gran. And I know you have Fabian, and all your American friends and that's probably enough, but the rest of us want to know if you'd be willing to have us come with you. I mean, I just really want you to be surrounded by people who love you! Not that there aren't people who love back in America, it's just…" Amber's voice trailed off again. Her gaze had fallen to the floor. Nina smiled at Amber knowingly.

"Amber," she said. Amber looked up, still having avoiding any type of eye contact. "You know, I know this might be too much to ask of you, but being the best female friend I have in the house, actually, probably the best female friend I have at all, would you like to come to America with me?" Amber's face lit up with a smile.

"Thanks Nina!" Amber exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. "You're my best friend too."

[A/N] Hey everyone! Thanks for the awesome reviews! I'm glad you're all liking the story. This chapter is kind of just filler, the real action will start probably next chapter, when they all leave for America. I'm also thinking of maybe bringing an old boyfriend's of Nina's into the picture to shake things up...what do you think? I mean, it can't be too easy for them! That would be boring. Also, if you have any imput on what you think might happen, or any suggestions for what you want to happen just leave it in the review box! Thanks for reading, and please review!

- Meredith Glass :)