Okay, so if you've read my other story, Matches, you know I plan to update this every Tuesday, or at least try to. If I don't, I tell you. But in order for that to happen…I have to at least get two reviews. Now…here's the fifth chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own HoA.

Jerome glanced back at Mara who had stayed quiet for a few minutes. "Mara?" he asked, "What's wro-?"

"Shh!" Mara muttered. "I think someone's following us." She glanced back slightly, then looked forward again.

"What?" Jerome looked back over his shoulder but he couldn't see anyone except- "Just the usual crowd, Mara," Jerome shrugged. "You've got it all in your head. Now why don't we go get some smoothies?" Jerome turned left and veered into the shop that had just come up.

Mara glanced around before following him. "Jerome…"

"Mara, let loose." He said as they got in line. "And stop glancing around like that! You look like a paranoid spy."

Mara glared at him. "Be quiet!"

"Fine," Jerome turned back around. "It's our turn anyway." As they stepped up in line Jerome paused and glanced at Mara. "What would you like?" Mara shrugged and Jerome faced the grumpy looking woman at the counter. "Two mango smoothies, please," Jerome said as he dug into his wallet for the correct amount of pounds.

"Here you go." She handed him the smoothies while he gave her the pounds. As they walked away, Jerome handed Mara her smoothie.

"Try it. You'll like it," Jerome told her as he took a drink.

Mara tasted it and nodded. "Pretty good."

Jerome grinned and went to hold the door open for her. Just as she was going to walk out she bumped into a boy about their age, his face covered by his light blue hood.

"Excuse me," he muttered, going by, and she noticed he had blue eyes.

Kind of like…no…but..?

She stared after him for a few seconds, then turned and faced Jerome. "Let's go."

Jerome raised his eyebrow but said nothing. As they began walking Jerome turned to her. "Why did the chicken cross the road?" he asked.

Mara stared at him. "What?"

"You heard me. Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Mara rolled her eyes. "To get to the other side," Mara continued walking, but Jerome put a hand on her shoulder making her stop.

"No…because the cars stopped."

Mara stared at him, then started giggling. "Thanks, Jerome. I needed that."

Jerome raised his eyebrow again, but with a smile. "Still paranoid, Smarty?"

Mara rolled her eyes and slapped him. "I dunno, it's just, that boy who bumped into me looked awfully familiar…"

Jerome shook his head. "Mara, come on. We're almost there anyway." They walked a few more paces before Jerome stopped in front of a large building. "Behold-a museum!" he bowed as Mara smiled.

"Jerome, thank you!" Mara hugged him.

Jerome smiled. "You're welcome. Now let's go inside."

As soon as they went inside Mara squealed. "Oh my! Look at the design of this place! Come on, let's go see the ancient stuff." Jerome was surprised at Mara behavior, but let her drag him all over the museum. "Oh, look! And over there! Guess what, this…"

So the remainder of their day was spent walking around the museum. But Jerome didn't mind. At least he got to spend time with Mara. And Mara didn't mind. At least she got to spend time with Jerome.

When they were done looking at everything, they exited the place and Jerome saw an ice cream vender on the corner. "Ice cream Mara? My treat." Mara nodded gratefully as they walked over to the machine. "Two chocolates, please." The man gave them the cones and Jerome gave the money.

"Thanks, Jerome." Mara said as they were walking back to the house. "Today was really fun."

Jerome smirked. "Even though you missed school?"

"Especially though I missed school."

Jerome smiled at her and they spent the rest of the time licking their cones in silence. Jerome put his arm around her casually, but that was interrupted.

"Hey! Get your hands off my girlfriend!"

And…I end it there! What a cliffie, huh? ;P

~Dragonclaw11