By the end of the week, Elsa had made a full recovery from her cold, and by Monday, she was back in the game. She had taken what Jason said to heart and it showed in her appearance. For the first time, the people in the front of the bus didn't stare at her like she was wearing a trash bag. Lots of people complemented her hair, or her dress, or her makeup.

I like this. Elsa convinced herself. It's nice to be noticed.

But deep down inside, in a place she could hardly feel, Elsa wanted so badly to run away and never return.

"You look nice today." Jason commented when he met Elsa at her locker. "You should do this all the time."

"Okay!" Elsa beamed. She loved complements from Jason. Too bad they didn't appear very often.

"You know, now that you look presentable, you should come to a football game with me. There's one this Friday." Jason smiled at her, making Elsa grin back. She couldn't resist him.

Suddenly, a memory surfaced like a giant whale intending to crush her happiness. "Oh, I can't go." Elsa said. "I'm sorry."

"Why can't you come?" Jason asked with a hint of suspiciousness in his voice.

"I have a band concert that day. I can't miss it."

"Why not?"

"Concerts are like the band equivalent of finals."

"So?"

"So I have to attend!" Elsa was almost annoyed with him. Almost.

"Well, what time does your concert start?" Jason asked, not acknowledging Elsa's small outburst.

"Seven o'clock." Elsa muttered, still slightly annoyed with Jason.

"Football games usually end around six, so you can still come!"

"There's no way I'll make it to my house, change into concert attire, and get back in an hour."

"Then bring your special band outfit thing to school! See, it all works out!"

Elsa thought about it. If she brought her concert attire to school, it would be a lot of extra effort on her part. Where would she store it? But, if she went to the football game, she would be able to watch Jason play. She could spend more time with him, and besides his friends weren't that bad.

"Alright." Elsa agreed. "I'll do it."

Jason beamed and walked away as they were nearing the front of the building.

Well, i'm back again after forever! yay! :D

So, this story is almost over. Actually the next chapter is the last one, so yay to that also!

Look forward to that in a bit. I'll probably upload it later today.

-D&ATF :)