AN-Ok it's been a while since the last update, but I wanted to make sure this chapter was to your liking. So, it had to wait, but never fear, the latest update is here!!


Maddie Thomas sighed. She wasn't sighing because of the ridiculous amount of homework that was given to her that morning. She wasn't sighing because of the test she didn't study for in her next class. She wasn't even sighing because of the incredible, quite expensive shirt she saw the other day that she could never own.

No, Maddie Thomas was sighing because Dean Portman, the same Dean Portman who stole her heart and left her ogling him every chance she got, was currently flirting with soon to be girlfriend number 57...or was it 58, she really lost count.

This was a normal sight to see, after all Dean was a lady's man. He's what's known as the hot ticket. Every girl wants him, and frankly, he wants every girl.

Well, except her of course.

Maddie didn't understand why he couldn't see her. She thought she was pretty, and she was right. Maddie stood to be about 5'4, her red hair, usually styled in weird ways, was perfectly straight and she kept it behind her ears. Her face was smooth, with almost porcelain skin. A lot of guys were interested in her.

Well, except Dean of course.

The girl squealed with excitement, and kissed Dean's cheek eagerly. He had that grin, that ''oh yea I totally just scored right now," grin.

Maddie sighed again.


Connie Moreau sighed. She wasn't sighing for the same reasons Maddie Thomas was. No, Connie didn't have an unrequited love, she had a boyfriend, who loved her very much and wasn't afraid to show it.

And that is why Connie is sighing. Guy Germaine was currently kissing her neck as the two lay entwined on her bed.

''I love you.'' the boy murmured, leaning up to kiss her.

''I love you too.'' the girl murmured, leaning up to accept his kiss.

And love each other they did. Connie and Guy had loved each other from the tender age of 10, and have kept the romance ever since.

Just then, Julie Gaffney walked into her dorm room and the moment was over.

''Hello, Connie, Guy.'' she greeted pleasantly, walking over to her bed.

Guy kissed Connie's cheek before getting off of his girlfriend and sitting up on the bed.

''Hey Jules.'' Connie greeted, sitting up as well. "What's up?''

''Nothing, Adam kinda ditched me to go find Kat.'' Julie said, grinning. "He hasn't seen her since she got here. Apparently, she's been spending a lot of time with Charlie.''

This perked Connie's interest immediately. She had known Adam since the pee wee days, and in turn, knew Katie as well. The two were as close as two sisters could be. She always knew of Katie's crush on Charlie...now it seemed like maybe...nah, it couldn't be.

"Didn't she have a huge crush on him?'' Guy asked.

Julie glanced at Connie who nodded affirmatively.

"Did Adam ever know?'' Julie asked.

Connie laughed. ''Did to tell your brother's about your crushes?''

''Good point.'' Julie said.


''It's not fair! I mean, come on, I'm cute. I'm spunky. I'm fun! Why can't he look at me and see the potential girlfriend instead of annoying freshman who hangs out with Katie!'' Maddie exclaimed.

She was currently pacing the room, spilling her heart out to her best friend, who quietly listened until her rant was over.

''I just want him to see me.'' she said, collapsing on the bed.

Katie took it as her cue. "I think you should try getting over this.''

Maddie scoffed. "Easy for you to say, you've spent every waking moment with your crush.''

Katie blushed softly. It was true, ever since the hockey game, she had been spending more time with Charlie lately.

She couldn't hide the small grin that slid onto her face.

Maddie glared at her. "Of course, be happy. Forget that I'm miserable, just rub it in my face!"

It was Katie Banks' turn to sigh, she also added an eye roll for good measure. It wasn't for the same reasons as Maddie and Connie had. No, it was because she was quite used to her friend's sudden mood changes, and frankly, it grew a little old.

''You know, if you wanna act like that, I won't tell you what almost happened between me and Charlie.'' she said, getting off her bed and walking to the door.

She said the magic words.

In one sudden movement, Maddie was off the bed, standing right in front of her, apologizing profusely for her temper and dramatic attitude.

''No spill!'' she exclaimed.

Kaite went into detail about every moment of the game. When she got to the part where they almost kissed, Maddie gasped.

''We didn't though, not to burst your bubble," To Maddie's disappointed face, she added, "Not that the thought never crossed my mind."

''You guys would be soooooo cute!'' Maddie cooed, immediately forgetting her previously jealously.

Katie shrugged, but kept silent. She would love to be Charlie's girlfriend, but...did he even feel the same way? If he did, would he ever make a move. And what about Adam and his friendship with Charlie. Wasn't that in danger?

Katie confided in Maddie her fears. Her best friend smile encouragingly. "Adam knows Charlie, and he trusts him. I'd think he'd be happy if you two got together. As for Charlie not being interested in you, didn't you guys almost kiss?''

Katie's reply was cut off when they heard a knocking at the door.

''I wonder who that could be.'' Maddie said, dryly.

Katie grinned and went to open it. Both girls were surprised to see Adam standing in the doorway.

''Hey big bro, what's up?'' Katie asked.

''Let's go for a walk, I haven't seen you in ages.'' Adam said.

Katie accepted his offer, bid Maddie a goodbye, and the two set off.


Katie and Adam walked around the peaceful ground. They went past a small pond and Katie stared at it, transfixed by its beauty.

''So, how've ya been?'' Adam wondered.

Katie shrugged. "I'm doing ok. You?''

"Good. Dad called about the Thanksgiving plans.''

Katie nodded softly, of course. Thanksgiving was only a few weeks away. It's weird to think she'd been at this school for about a month know.

''What's the verdict?'' she asked.

''Well, in order for this to be as easy for us as possible, they've decided that we will have Thanksgiving as a family.'' Adam said.

Katie arched an eyebrow. "As in all four of us?'' Adam nodded. "So, in other words, the verdict is hell.''

''It might not be so bad.'' he offered weakly.

Katie gave him a look. He sighed.

''Ok fine, it's probably gonna suck. Ain't nothing we can do, huh?''

She shook her head softly.

Adam approached the next subject carefully. "So, you and Charlie have been spending a lot of time together, huh?'' he asked.

She shrugged, hoping against hope that she wasn't blushing. "He's just being nice. You're my big brother, I guess he's just trying to make me feel at home. I thought you were putting him up to it.'' she lied.

Adam nodded, but visibly looked relieved.

"Kat, Banksie! Wait up!'' the object of the conversation, and Katie's affection, called, running up to them.

''Hey Charlie.'' greeted Katie with a smile. Adam nodded.

''What's up Spaz?'' he asked.

''Julie's looking for you. She needs help with some stupid homework assignment. Sent me to find her adorably intelligent boyfriend.'' Adam raised an eyebrow. ''Her words not mine.'' Charlie explained. Katie giggled.

''Alright, I'll see you too later.'' Adam said. Katie noticed he didn't seem to worried about leaving, but then again, she wondered if he'd have been like this if they didn't have their conversation.

''Run along, sexy thang.'' Charlie said. Adam once again raised an eyebrow. "Sorry, Averman's words not mine.''

This time, both Katie and Adam broke out into laughter.

''That kids scares me a little bit.'' Adam said.

''And yet this is the same guy who has landed the most popular girl in our grade as his girlfriend. Go figure.'' Charlie said.

Adam waved goodbye and went in search of his girlfriend. Charlie turned to Katie.

''Hey Kat.'' he said, softly. A little nervously as well.

''Hey Charlie.'' she said, just as softly. Just as nervously.

The two young teens stared at each other, their gazes unable to waver as they locked eyes, blue against brown. A gust of wind passed and Katie shivered, coming to the conclusion that she didn't have her coat.

Charlie noticed this too, and in one moment, he was shrugging it off his shoulders and draping it onto Katie.

''Charlie, what about you?'' she protested.

''I'll be fine, I practically live on the ice. It doesn't bother me.'' he assured her.

Katie smiled and slipped her arms through the sleeves. The jacket was big on her, but comfortable. "Thanks.'' she replied, shyly.

''No sweat.'' he whispered, stepping closer to her.

Suddenly, Katie wasn't cold. Her heart beat faster, her blood pressure rose, and suddenly her palms were acting on their own, creeping up and resting on his chest.

"Kat.'' he whispered, ever so softly. It was then, Katie knew.

He was going to kiss her.

First, he tested the waters, brushing his nose softly against hers. She shivered and her breathing hitched, but she didn't push him away. Charlie grinned, licked his lips and leaned in.

Then of course, the two heard Charlie's name being shouted and stepped apart quickly. Katie glanced over her shoulder to see Connie approaching them.

She looked from one to the other and commented. "Am I interrupting?''

''No, in fact...I was just leaving.'' Charlie muttered, the tips of his ears reddening, not due to the cold.

He walked off, and Katie turned to glare at Connie, who was smiling in amusement.

''So...how are you?'' Connie asked.

''I hate you.'' Katie muttered, stomping away. Connie reached up with her quickly and slipped an arm around her shoulders.

''Oh come on Kat, I know you don't mean it.''

''Fine, I really, really, really dislike you.'' Katie said. They were closer to the dorms now, and Katie saw Guy walking towards them slowly.

''Tsk tsk, Kat. You shouldn't be talking to be like that.'' Connie said.

''Fine. I'm really, really annoyed by you.'' she said, just as Guy approached them.

''Guy, Katie says she hates me.'' Connie said, throwing her self into his arms.

''Can't say I blame her.'' Guy said, sending Katie a wink over Connie's shoulder. Just like Connie was her older sister, Guy was like another brother.

Connie gasped and hit his arm lightly. ''Thanks a lot Germaine.''

Guy chuckled and kissed her forehead lightly. Connie smiled and her eyes met his, their foreheads touching softy. Katie suppressed a sigh. That was what she wanted.

''I need to go to bed, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone.'' she said.

They barely acknowledged her departure as their lips met.


Katie entered her room, relieved to see Maddie fast asleep. She creped over to her bed, and grabbed her pajamas. It was then, she realized that she still had Charlie's coat. Lifting up the collar, she took a whiff and was able to smell his cologne and the distinct smell of Charlie. She smiled softly and slipped the coat off, draping it over her chair.

She went into the bathroom to get ready for bed. Once she was finished, she tiptoed quietly to her bed and stopped. She bit her lip, and made her decision.

She grabbed the coat and put it back on. Spilling under the covers, she felt warmer then ever before. It was as if she was in his embrace.

Katie sighed softly, the scent of the coat the last thing she remembered before falling asleep.


AN-And there we have it. I know the time line's a little confusing and it's jumping around. But next chapter is Thanksgiving time!! I know it already passed for us, but not for them!!

Will things continue to heat up for Charlie and Katie? How will Adam truly react? And will Dean Portman ever notice that Maddie is alive?!

Stay tuned if you wanna find out and go ahead and review.

You know you want to!