Hey guys! This is the 3rd last chapter for T.A.A.C. I really want to hit at least 150 reviews for this story, so please, please review! Thank you TheSunday, brucas224 and DancingFool101 for reviewing the last chapter. I shall not blabber on much longer, on with the chapter! Enjoy and review!

Chapter 28:

Luck was on the group's side. When they exited the studio, no paparazzi were around; thank goodness. When Jason pointed that out to the group, Shane and Nate exchanged knowing looks. "By tomorrow Jason, I am positively sure we won't be able to get off the tour bus at all." Nate commented.

"Same goes to the gates of Alfea." Shane replied dryly.

The girls sighed; it was expected to happen. They glanced at one another worriedly. "Don't worry, we will get Dave to assign body guards to Alfea, just relax guys." Nate flashed a weak smile at the girls. "Yeah, focus on the exams." Jason added.

At that moment, Mitchie's cell phone began to ring, chipping the oh so familiar tune to all 6 of them.

"Gone are the days, of summer

We couldn't change it if we tried.

Why would we want to; let's go where we got to

Our paths will cross again in time.

It's never the same, tomorrow.

And tomorrow's—"

(Our Time Is here, Camp Rock bonus soundtrack.)

"Hey mum!" The teen answered the phone, recognising her home number.

"Mitchie! I am so proud of you. I saw the entire interview on the telly."

"Thanks mum! It is certainly a load off my chest."

"Well, I'm glad you made a wise choice sweetie. Though I hope that the press won't bother you that much."

"Don't worry mum. The Connect 3's bodyguards will handle them."

"I'm glad sweetie."

"By the way—"

"Hey Connie!" Connie Torres could hear 5 other voices chime in unison, interrupting Mitchie.

"The others say hi." Her daughter finished lamely.

Connie laughed and replied, "Tell them I say hello and don't work too hard, both on studies and tour."

"Will do mum."

"I got to go dear, I have to continue organising my calendar. There are so many events going on at this time!"

"Don't tire yourself mum. Love you!"

"Love you too sweetie!"

And Connie hung up the phone. Mitchie pressed the 'end call' key and sighed contentedly, leaning on Shane's chest. Her fiancé kissed her forehead. A comfortable silence filled the limo.

"You do realize we will be swarmed by 17 other 6B girls when we get back right? Plus maybe a few 6A buddies." Caitlyn randomly commented, her eyes on the view outside the window.

"Yep, just like we said outside the limo a while ago." Ella answered.

Before either Caitlyn or Mitchie could reply, her cell phone rang yet again, and the chorus of Our Time Is Here rang in the limo. The Connect 3 chuckled. "Wow Mitchie, you sure got loads of fans." Shane said. Mitchie glared at him playfully and picked up her phone.

The caller ID read: Private number. Frowning slightly, she picked up the call. "Hello? Mitchie speaking."

"So much for keeping in contact eh cuz? I had to find out that you are engaged from a gossip show!" A husky male voice spoke, and Mitchie grinned like a cherish cat, aware of the caller's identity.

"Why hello to you too Jim!" Mitchie teased back, and all the other occupants on the limo turned to look at her. They had thought it would be Tess or someone else calling; never did they give a thought about Jim Frayne, Mitchie's cousin, whom was a travelling photographer.

"Hi Mitch. Happy now?"

"Very."

"So, you haven't answered my question cuz. I'm wounded, finding out about your engagement like that." Jim said, although she could detect the teasing tone in his voice.

"Sorry cuz. It kinda slipped off my mind. We hadn't had a proper chat since so long ago."

"You got a point. And congrats by the way, Shane is a lucky chap. Though tell him my threat still stands."

"Jim…" Mitchie whined, her cheeks turning slight scarlet, a fact noticed by her fiancé.

"Anyway, I'm back to States, since yesterday night." Jim quickly changed the subject, skilfully avoiding his cousin's protest to his previous statement.

"Wow, already? The last time I checked, you were in France….."

The 2 chatted for a while longer before they reached Alfea College grounds and Mitchie had to hang up the call. The group exited the limo slowly and unwillingly, not wanting their time to end. It was time to say goodbye... for now.

Jason pulled all 6 of them into a tight group hug. After releasing them, each said their farewells to their significant other. "Mitchie embraced Shane, inhaling the scent of his cologne one last final time. "See you on Saturday Mitchie." Shane murmured, pulling away and stared into her chocolate brown orbs.

"See you there Shane. And all the best." His fiancée replied , standing on her tip-toes and pressed her lips against his tenderly. Shane kissed her back. "Thanks Mitch. Don't worry, everything will go just fine." He pecked her on the lips one last time before letting her go reluctantly. Mitchie gave him one last smile and turned, entering Alfea with Caitlyn and Ella on her heels. Without another word, the Connect 3 entered the limo.

As the trio made their way to the Common Room moments later, they met many other Alfea girls at the corridor, whom stared and pointed fingers at them, whispering to their friends behind their hands.

The girls heave a sigh. They expected this kind of reaction, but simply ignored their schoolmates. At least they didn't meet Lindsay, which in Caitlyn's opinion, it was a breather.

Mitchie, Caitlyn and Ella heard their friends squeal as they entered the common room. They were showered and attacked with loads of hugs. "We saw everything on TV!" Tori said, in high spirit. "Congrats guys!" Jenna yelled over the noise. "Mitchie! You are officially engaged!" Alexia hugged her friend. Everyone's hearts were full of joy as they had a mini celebration for Mitchie's official engagement.

Mitchie tried to keep a straight face but she was giggling like mad on the inside. She coughed, trying to suppress a laugh upon seeing Valerie and Gaby twirling each other around in circles. It was a very joyous moment for 6B.

No sooner, dinner time rolled in. Friends of Mitchie, Caitlyn and Ella had popped by in the Common Room after the celebration, passing on good wishes to them for the job well done on the interview. Even a girl from the second form whom Mitchie knew from the year before had come. "Gosh, did everyone watch The Celebrity Gossip Show?" Ella had inquired as they made their way to the cafeteria for dinner. "News travel fast." Darrell had answered, shrugging.

The 6B girls sat at their assigned long bench for dinner, chatting and giggling away. Miss Fleming smiled as they walked towards their seat. "Good evening girls." She greeted, nodding at them. "Good evening Miss Fleming!" They chorused in unison, bowing slightly.

"Job well done Ella, Caitlyn, and Mitchie." Miss Fleming winked at them and left, heading towards her seat.

Dinner passed eventfully, without much interruption. When most of 6B were done with dinner, they were about to go off when Lindsay advanced towards the group, looking rather nervous.

"What do you want Lindsay?" Jenna snapped, seeing her.

Lindsay bit her lip and said, "Tor, I mean Mitchie, Caitlyn, Ella... Can I speak with you?" She eyed on the 3 girls with a questioning look. "Alone?" She added immediately. The trio exchanged queer looks as others looked at Lindsay suspiciously. 6B and Lindsay didn't really have a good friendship.

"Err, sure." Caitlyn muttered uncertainly.

The four teens strolled out of the cafeteria and to a quieter spot.

Lindsay looked down, unsure of what to say.

"Listen guys," she began. "I just want to thank you."

"What for Lindsay?" Ella asked, curious , just like her friends.

"For already knowing that I was the one who planned the kiss, and yet you guys didn't spill anything. Thank You." She said sincerely, smiling a genuine smile at the girls.

"Wow. Thanks, I guess." Mitchie was speechless, not knowing what else to say.

"Don't mention it Lindsay. Though, why? Why do this? I know we are not exactly friends but did you need to scoop down so low?" Caitlyn said.

At this point, Lindsay blushed, lowering her head in shame. "I'm sorry guys... I was just jealous..."

No one said a word for a while. Until Mitchie sighed, and extended her hand out. Lindsay raised her eyebrows in doubt. "Truce Lindsay?" Mitchie told the blonde, smiling slightly. Lindsay's eyes went wide.

"Listen Lindsay, I don't want to remember my last year at Alfea with an enemy, and I am sure you don't want it to be this way either. So truce?" Mitchie explained.

Her eyes glistened with joy and relief, Lindsay shook Mitchie's hand firmly. "Thanks for giving me the chance." She murmured. Mitchie nodded.

Caitlyn had an incredulous look on her face. "Caitlyn, forget about the past, let bygones be bygones." Ella chided her friend, going over and gave Lindsay a pat on the shoulder and a light and quick hug.

Caitlyn exhaled a breath, shrugged and smiled at Lindsay, whom beamed back. She shook Lindsay's hand. "Like what Ella said Lindsay, will let the past, be the past." Caitlyn had told Lindsay.

Tears of joy filled Lindsay's eyes. "Thank you, all of you."

Once they parted ways with Lindsay a few moments later, Caitlyn shook her head in disbelief and rubbed her forehead. "The girls are not going to believe this; why I have trouble accepting this myself."

Ha-ha. So that is all for now. I am trying to complete as fast as I is a mention of Jim in A Very Smitchie Christmas Chapter 8 as well. Please R and R? Thanks a bunch!

TrixieNancy124.