A/N So, finals are over and I've been home for three weeks and I bought myself the SA bible, which is partly why I haven't written. The other part is that I just haven't. Oops. But I plan on trying to write something at least every week for each of my stories. We'll see how that goes. (Probably better since I know what happens in the next chapter too and want to write it soon.) As always, thank you for the good reviews. This note is long enough… I don't own SA, except for the soundtrack (which I love dearly).

Ernst woke up the next morning to find himself alone and his window opened slightly. Ilse had apparently gone. Hours ago too, since the spot where she had been sleeping was cool. He hoped that she would be okay. Ilse was the only one who seemed to understand Ernst and all of the peculiar urges he was experiencing.

Slowly, Ernst crawled out of his bed and closed his window. He hadn't even taken a step before he turned back around and cracked it again. Just in case Ilse needed someplace to go. He could never deny Ilse what she wanted, even if that meant breaking all of the rules. Once they had even camped out all night after Ernst's parents had said no because Ilse wanted to. She just had a way to persuade him.

"Ernst, are you up?" his mother called from downstairs.

"Yes Mama. I'm just getting dressed. I'll be down in a moment," he replied, quickly throwing on his school uniform. That was one nice thing; he never had to really think about what to wear.

When he got downstairs, there were pastries for breakfast. Ernst thanked God that he had managed to struggle through enough of his homework that he did not need to repeat his rushed breakfast like yesterday. He sat down with a glass of fresh milk and ate 2 apple pastries before he had to rush towards the school house.

He made it to school just in time to walk straight into the classroom without having to speak to anyone. He somehow found his way through all of his classes without being called out by his instructors, despite his constant worrying about Ilse. He knew why she wanted to get away from home and, more importantly, her father. The one thing Ernst did not know is exactly what happened and why it was so bad for boys and girls to be together.

Moritz did not have Ernst's luck. During Latin he admitted to being plagued by dreams again, at least to Melchior. Herr Sonnestich caught them chatting and disciplined the outbreak in his usual strict manner.

As soon as they were dismissed, Ernst grabbed his things as fast as he could. He wanted to see if he could find Ilse and make sure she was alright.

However before Ernst could get to the door, Hanschen stopped him.

"May I walk you home today Ernst? We can review our Latin," he propositioned with an evil smirk crossing his face.

"I-I-I s-s-suppose," Ernst answered, unnerved by that smirk. There were just too many meanings behind it.

Hanschen smiled and led the way out of the room. They had just entered into the schoolyard when Ernst noticed he was missing his Bible. He made his excuses to Hanschen and went back into the classroom to find Moritz and Melchior. As quietly as possible, Ernst sneaked in to eavesdrop.

Moritz was asking Melchior to explain the "facts of life." Melchior settled into his chair to explain everything in great detail. Ernst too prepared for a long answer to this eternal question.

Moritz, however, could not stand that kind of pressure. Instead, he asked Melchi to write it all down in an essay before he fled the room.

Melchior was about to leave the room when he saw someone out of the corner of his eye.

"Eavesdropping Ernst?" he questioned, a smug, superior expression on his face.

"I-I-I just came for my Bible," he replied, not able to meet his eyes.

Melchior went over to where Ernst's Bible was laying and handed it over to Ernst. He was about to leave when Ernst said something.

"C-could you make another copy of that essay?" he asked, turning bright red as he flushed with embarrassment.

Melchior smiled a mischievous grin. "I suppose I could."

"Thank you," Ernst replied, rushing out of the room to catch up with Hanschen. He had to find a way to convince Hanschen to help him find Ilse.

Melchior watched him go, wondering how many of his peers he would end up educating.

A/N I know I'm kinda messing with the timeline, but I hope you'll forgive me for that. Please let me know what you think, it can only make me want to write more. Enjoy!

Funfact: I am planning on going to see the show in Chicago, for the FIRST time! I'm so excited!!! I just hope Ben, Andy, and Blake are still there!