It was late evening now, and I sat on one of the leather couches in the common room, reading (don't laugh or you will pay) Romeo and Juliet. Before you make any judgments, it was for English Literature class. Obviously, when I sat down, I had no intention to read past the homework pages assigned. But now, I was hooked. I was completely absorbed by the book, each line making me more interested. Juliet and her relationship with her Nurse was impeccable. And Mercutio- don't even get me started! He was a riot that was forced to pay the price because of his friend. And Paris… he made me wonder. If Romeo never went party-crashing, would Paris be Juliet's true love?

"Patricia!" someone called out loudly. I immediately snapped out of my dream world and quickly shook my head of all thoughts Shakespeare.

"What?" I asked. The source of the voice came into view and I recognized Ally.

"Um, hello," I said awkwardly, putting my book on the coffee table. Ally approached me and sat down on the other end of the couch I was sprawled out on.

"So two things: one, I noticed you were reading Romeo and Juliet and I just wanted to say I loved that book," she started, smiling brightly. "And also, Nina and Amber want you to see them in their room."

"Okay… thanks, Ally," I said, a small smile perking up on the sides of my mouth. She smiled before getting up and going out of the room and towards the boy's bedrooms.

I sat for a moment, thinking about Ally's appearance because for a brief moment, I could have sworn she reminded me of a stranger I saw somewhere. I couldn't put my finger on it though. Ally was dirty blond, but had died her roots till half way a medium brown, leaving her tips blond. Her eyes were a beautiful blue, possibly putting Jerome's to shame. She was wearing a casual summery outfit- a tank, denim shorts and sandals. Ally also had an array of bracelets on her wrist and a silver pendant.

I got up unwillingly from my comfortable position on the couch and exited the room, jogging up the stairs in a relaxed fashion. I noticed the door to Amber and Nina's room was open, so I walked in and looked around. Everything was in its place- just like Nina liked it. She noticed Amber and Nina looking at something in one of their closets, oblivious to my presence.

I cleared my throat, shifting my weight onto one foot.

"Oh, you're here!" Amber squealed. I winced internally as she ran toward me, dragging me in and pulling me towards her bed. She pushed me down and I sat, wondering what they wanted.

Nina went to the door and glanced outside, before shutting it and locking it. A small smile appeared on her face and her eyes twinkled with sudden mischief.

"Why?" I asked. The other girls already knew what I meant. Why did they want to see me?

Amber sat down next to me and Nina pulled a chair over from one of their desks.

"Do you really like Kevin?" Nina asked, as if trying to convince me of something. I shrugged like it was no big deal.

"Why does everyone make such a big deal out of it? It was just a date- one date," I said, clarifying the last part. "Not a big deal, if you ask me."

"Did you see Eddie?" Amber cried out. Nina shot her a look, telling her to quiet down. Amber obeyed but raised her eyebrows at me expectantly.

"He has a girlfriend. Period. End of discussion," I said, my heart sinking. I ignored the pesky feeling I got when I said that aloud.

"And you think its okay to date someone else because he is?" Amber asked, as if trying to convince me of something.

I nodded, before receiving estranged looks from the other two girls. "What? Is there something wrong with that?"

"YES!" Amber exclaimed while Nina bit her lip, giving me a skeptical look.

"Look, if he wants to date Ally, he can. Meanwhile, I'm going to date whoever the hell I want!" I started to say, getting angry towards the end.

"Don't you like him?" Nina asked calmly. Amber was fidgeting with her fingers, trying not to explode at me.

"No! Well, maybe. I don't know!" I confessed. "I need to get over him."

"One day you'll realize…" Nina trailed off. I ignored her.

"Just leave this alone, guys. If Eddie really likes me, he'll figure it out," I told them, slightly annoyed. I wasn't annoyed with Nina and Amber as much as I was with Eddie. I thought we were more than friends, but I guess not. I'm Patricia Williamson, and I don't care.

I got up and went back down the stairs and to the common room to resume my reading. My book was right where I left it- upside down on the coffee table. I hopped on the couch, spreading my feet across and using an arm as a backrest. I curled up into a little ball and continued reading on.

The first thing I was aware of was a soft, fuzzy blanket that lay on top of me. It felt vaguely familiar and I opened one eye, trying to figure out where I was. I inhaled the smell of aftershave and some cologne. The walls were decorated with various photographs and a model ship lay on the table. I took in a deep breath and realized I was still in the common room. I must have fallen asleep. Sure enough, my copy of Romeo and Juliet lay on the coffee table. The lights were on, however. I heard a soft patter of footsteps nearby and I turned to see Vera bringing several pots of food to the table. The smell of tomato drifted over to me and I smiled.

I swung my feet back down and shoved the blanket aside, approaching the table. Vera noticed me wake up and gave me a smile.

"Did you sleep well?" Vera asked, as she spooned some chicken from the pot into a nicer plate. I sat down at my usual seat at the dinner table and watched her.

"Yeah. Thanks for the blanket," I said, slouching in my seat comfortably.

"Oh, that wasn't me. Eddie came in not too long ago and put that blanket on you. I think it was from his room, actually. I've washed it in the laundry room a few times," Vera confessed, busying herself with the dinner preparations.

Well, things just got a little more interesting...

What will happen with the wonderfully scented blanket? Will Patricia and Eddie get over their awkward phase?

That's all for the chapter now! Guys, I really appreciate the many reviews I got for the last chapter. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now let's keep up the streak, shall we? ;) Review!

And one last thing: check my profile for links to original character photos and clothes!