G'day! Sorry that not much happened in that last chapter... had to start somewhere, right? Anyway, I'll keep it brief, but I want to thank everyone who has taken a little time out of their day to read, and even comment on, my story. You make me feel really special. I'm serious! (haha, :) but siriusly bro) When I read those first three wonderful comments, it posi-tute-ly made my day! Which is good, because I started school after having two weeks off today and really needed a pick-me-up. :)

FYI, I may not update really often... I have school, then gymnastics til 7:30 pm 4 days a week :| I'll really try, though!

Random note: does anyone think that Keefe is like Sirius? Eh? No? He certainly has the looks. Well, let's be real, not as attractive as moi ;) Also, he's very mischievous

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS OR THE SETTING OR ANYTHING KOTLC! :( sadly... P.S. Shannon Messenger needs to write faster! I am dying over here! NEED. *gasp* FIFTH. *wheeze* BOOK!

Enjoy! (or don't, whatever floats your boat)

The Vackers and I landed in the school among about a dozen people. I looked around and relaxed, seeing that everyone was just as fancy as me.

"Come on," Biana said, tugging my wrist. Nearly tripping over my dress again, I followed.

We stopped in front of the gym, Biana pulling me to the side. "Just warning you, it's probably going to be crazy in there. It's for students only, so there are no adults to keep kids in line, so to speak." I nodded, a bit nervous.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

My friend yanked open the door and I winced, loud music bombarding my eardrums. She and I slipped in, avoiding a giggling trio of girls and a pair of students from our grade that were, um, very enamoured with each other. I glanced at Biana, a little traumatized, but she just pulled me deeper into the party.

I looked around, amazed at the transformation of the gymnasium. The walls were somehow covered with glimmering deep blue fabric, which made the room look like the night sky, and twinkling lights flashed everywhere, providing just enough light to see. Tables lined the edges of the area, laden with all kinds of food and drink while the front of the room was devoted to speakers, out of which oozed a melody. As a result of taking my gaze off of my feet, I stumbled again, this time using Biana as a stabilizer so I wouldn't fall.

We eventually made it to our little friend group, which consisted of Keefe, Fitz (I have no idea how he got there before us), Marella, Dex, and occasionally Jensi. I felt sort of, okay, totally, awkward, seeing that I was basically the center of attention with my new "fashion" and all.

"Hi guys," I said loudly. The music was blaring, and in order for us to actually hear each other, you basically have to yell.

"Hi!" Jensi was practically a jackhammer, he was bouncing so much.

"Did you have a field day on coffee or something?" I asked. Of course, my joke was lost on the lot of them because they didn't even know what coffee was.

"What's coffee?" Biana was the first to ask.

"It's a human thing," I replied, waving a hand. "Not important."

We just stood there stiffly, except for Jensi, who jittered stiffly.

"So…" Keefe broke the silence. Only then did I realize that he had been unnaturally quiet.

"Can we dance now?" Jensi blurted out, unable to hold his energy in for much longer.

I raised an eyebrow at him and he said, "What? I've been waiting for this all day!"

Fitz, Marella, Biana, and I shrugged. Finally back to his old self, Keefe screamed, "Hell, yeah! Come on, Foster," and yanked me away. I stumbled after him, almost tripping over my dress before bunching it up with my hand that wasn't being nearly ripped off by Keefe. There seemed to be a lot of pulling of the Sophie happening.

He finally let go, turning around to face me.

I glared at him and rubbed my wrist, contemplating my next move. I finally admitted, "I can't dance."

Keefe looked at me with mock surprise. "What?! The Mysterious Miss F doesn't know how to dance?"

"Correction: Can't."

"Well, it's easy. It's sort of like, um, well, I guess you just…" He trailed off into silence. A few moments later, he said, "One cannot simply describe dancing! One just must do!"

I rolled my eyes at the ridiculous goofball dancing, surprisingly well, in front of me.

"It's not that hard," he said, grabbing my hands and tugging them back and forth, making me spin one way, then the other. I giggled, my dress twirling around me. Keefe whistled.

"Some snazzy shoes you got there, Foster," he remarked. I nodded, agreeing.

"You wouldn't believe it, but they are so comfortable! Biana said they were the only ones that I could wear that weren't heels."

"Ah, yes. We wouldn't want our Foster spraining her ankle now, would we?"
I pulled back and smacked him on the arm. He fake-pouted, and I couldn't help thinking how adorable he looked. Just then, a waltz came on, making Keefe's face light up.

"You know how to slow dance, right? That detention with Lady Belva was the worst," Keefe said, shuddering. I shrugged, knowing that I would either step in his toes or end up tripping.

Keefe swept me closer to him and placed his hand on my waist, the other intertwined with mine. I rested my arm on his shoulder.

We glided around, Keefe's steps graceful and easy-going, mine forced. I purposefully trod on his feet, grinning.

"Gosh, Foster, you need to lighten up a bit," Keefe said. He thought for a moment, then said, "And stop stepping on my feet."

"No and no."

"Oh, c'mon."

"No."

"I'll make you."

"How?"

"Like this!" Keefe suddenly pinched my side, making me laugh.

"Still no," I managed through my giggles.

Suddenly, Keefe swept me up, bridal style, and tickled me even more. I screeched, causing the people around us to look at Keefe and I.

"Stop, stop!" I shrieked.

Keefe just grinned. "Not until you loosen up."

"Never! Now put me down!"

"No." Keefe shifted my position in his arms and started walking.

"Hey. Hey! Where are you taking me?" I demanded, squirming.

"Somewhere," Keefe said, a smirk appearing on his face.

"Keefe!" I screamed, smacking him on the shoulder. "Put. Me. Down!"

"Not until you loosen up," he repeated.

"Fine, fine, I'll 'loosen up'," I said, putting air quotes around "loosen up." "Just put me down!"

"No," Keefe said, smiling and pushing open the door.

"Keefe," I said, a warning note in my voice. He just kept walking through the halls.

I tried everything, I really did! I pleaded, threatened, and fought, all to no avail. Well, maybe I didn't try that hard. I sort of liked the feeling of being in Keefe's strong arms. Aww! K, back to the story

When I finally stopped struggling, exhausted, I noticed that we were nearing the exit.

"Seriously, (hah) where are we going?" I asked.

"Somewhere," he repeated. He turned around and pushed the door open with his back.

I shivered a little as the chilly air brushed my bare arms and back. Keefe, feeling my discomfort, pulled me closer to his chest and I blushed.

"Almost there," he said, his breath coming out in a white puff, making him look like a little dragon.

"You know, I can walk myself."

"Yes, but you'd probably trip and end up having to go to visit Elwin."

"Valid argument, but I can still attempt to stay upright," I said, scowling.

"No."

"Excuse me? Did you just refuse my request?" I asked, mock hurt.

"Yes, my queen, I did," Keefe replied, playing along.

"I think, as part of the Foster Fan Club, you should heed my every command," I said, straightening up and trying to look as royal in his arms as possible.

"Is that so? In that case, ask me again," Keefe said, a sly smile flitting across his lips.

"Please, Sir Sencen, would be so kind as to put me down?" I asked formally.

"Well, since you said 'please'..."

I shifted my position, readying to jump to the ground (he was much taller than me, so I had to actually jump).

"No."

I huffed indignantly.

"Anyway, we're here."