Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't any of the beloved characters…but the Ruffles are so totally mine!!

As Bridget jimmied the lock at Gilda's, everyone was breathless. No one knew how the summer was going to turn out, without the pants. It was as if the pants had always been in their life. The one pair of jeans that makes your butt look so good.

As usual the security at Gilda's remained as lame as ever, so they were in within a few moments. They all raced upstairs to the sacred place. Lena laid out blankets and coconut scented candles, Tibby set out the food- raw cookie dough, pop-tarts and Ruffles, Carmen set up the music but no one even wanted to turn it on.

"Um, guys? I thought we were going to take the loss of the pants as a celebration and a new beginning." Bridget broke the silence.

"But it's just not the same though." Lena had tears shining in her eyes

"Awwww Lenny it'll be alright, come on cheer up. You're going to Greece tomorrow! You don't want Kostos to see you like this…again." Carmen tried to make the mood lighter.

"Yeah but, I don't know if I can go through all of that again. Especially without the pants. It's like whenever I'm with him I feel this longing, to be with him, but then at the same time I'm pulling away because I don't want to get hurt, again."

Everyone huddled together closer. Tibby had tears in her eyes. She felt so bad for Lena. Here she was with Brian, a guy, a man, who loved her so much he would travel for 12 hours just to see her and hear her voice even if it was just for a few minutes. And then there was Kostos. If you were to use the metaphor of roller-coasters, Brian would be a water slide. Strong, sturdy, stable, but still fun, and always around. But Kostos would be the most dangerous ride in the whole amusement park. Sure, he would have his fun moments but after the ride he would leave you dizzy, sick and wanting more.

Tibby buried her head in Lena's hair.

"It'll be alright Lenny; we'll always be here for you."

"Okay guys, um, what do you want to do about our "rituals"?" asked Carmen, getting right back down to business.

"Wow, way to ruin the mood Carma." joked Bee.

"Ha ha, very funny, but seriously what to you guys think we should do? I mean, we don't have the pants anymore" Carmen's voice cracked, "So I don't think it would be any use reviewing the rules."

"We should still say the vow though." whispered Tibby.

"Mmmhhh" mumbled Lena.

So, all four girls moved back out into the circle, joined hands, and recited the vow that was engraved into their minds forever,

"To honor the Pants and the Sisterhood
And this moment and this summer and the rest of our lives
Together and apart."

They opened their eyes, and looked tearfully at each other, knowing that they weren't girls anymore, but women, and that the "rest of their lives" weren't so far away.

What do you think? Please review. Next chapter will be up shortly!