Hello everyone! First of all, a very happy and belated new year! I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I know I did writing it! Thank you everyone for your wonderful reviews and please don't forget to do so for this chapter. I want to hear all your opinions. Enjoy!

"Ok, seriously. Why are you so glum? I can not have glum workers on the job, you know. Bad for business." Lucy demanded, placing her hands on her hips and shooting her a narrowed eye look. "So out with it!"

Mara sighed and leaned on the counter. Should she really tell Luce about her...little problem? Would it really even make any sense? But it would be nice to finally talk to someone about it, rather than holding it all in..."It's about...my relationship."

"Oh?" Her boss asked, hopping up to sit on the counter. "Trouble in paradise? Want me to knock some sense into him? I do have a Cricket bat that is itching to be used."

"What? No!" Mara cried, eyes wide. "Everything is fine and I don't need you blundering Brandon with a Cricket-wait, you play Cricket? Since when?"

The redhead just shrugged. "Since I was little. And if everything is ok, as you claim, then why so glum? Is he not what you expected to be? I mean, you have only been dating the boy for a week. Give it time."

"No, no, it's nothing like that, Luce." She muttered. "Brandon is wonderful. He's sweet and kind and very understanding. It's just..."

"You're not happy?"

"Oh no, I'm not saying I'm sad, but..."

"But you're not happy either." Lucy finished, eyeing Mara in understanding. "Let me ask you this then. Are you content with him? What happens when you kiss him, or hug him?"

"Well, I don't know. I mean, I like his kisses. They are sweet and they are nice. But there isn't, you know, a spark." She blushed and looked down. "I'm sorry. You must think I'm being whiny and ungrateful for having such a good boy as my boyfriend. Forget it."

"Oh, no, no, no." Lucy quickly injected, waving her hand. "I don't think that at all. Yes, Brandon is great and yes, he is wonderful, but if YOU don't really like him, than it's rather unfair to date him, don't you think? For you as well as him."

"But I do like him." Mara argued. "I care about him a lot, and his kisses make me feel happy. I mean, there isn't anything particularly wrong with our relationship." Minus the hate mail that is.

"So then, what's the problem?"

"I-I don't know. It's really weird, but I can't seem to put a finger on it." Mara dropped her head on the counter. "I'm a horrible girlfriend."

Lucy was quiet for a moment. "Mara, you said there wasn't a 'spark' when you both kiss and you are not in the giddy honeymoon phase that SOMEONE STILL NEEDS TO GET OVER. LARRY, GET OFF THE PHONE AND START WORKING!" She hollered to the back and turned to face Mara again. "Are you by any chance, comparing Brandon to another boy? Your ex, maybe?"

"What!" Mara jolted up. "No! No, I'm not, not to Mick."

Lucy just stared at her. "Then to who?"

Jerome she though, but quickly shook her head. "Nobody."

"You're a horrible liar, Mara." Lucy mused mischievously "Tell me who this 'nobody' is. Is he fit?"

Very. "He's, one of my roommates and is a total prick!"

"Oh? I didn't know that bad boys were your type, Mara." Lucy giggled "I guess every gal needs to have one at some point in her life, I suppose."

"No, they are not. I like nice boys. Not boys who pull pranks, cause mischief, and are rule breakers! Not to mention, stir up trouble for fun and laugh at other people's expense, no matter what the cost."

"Uh huh. And you DON'T fancy this boy? Is that correct?"

Mara tugged her ponytail. "Well, I do. Maybe a little." At Luce's smug look she quickly added. "But it doesn't change the fact that he is a total arse and does whatever he pleases, without knowing the consequences of his actions. And I can't trust him with my feelings."

"Well, why not?"

"Because," She closed her eyes. "he hurt me."

Lucy straightened up. "Excuse me? Hurt you how?" Her voice had an edge to it. "Because I will beat him with my bat."

Mara laughed, despite herself. The image of Luce beating Jerome up with a Cricket bat was too funny. "Oh, nothing physical. Just, he said some things and yeah."

Lucy visibly relaxed. "Oh. Well, I'm not saying its ok for him to be a jerk to you, but yeah. So you really fancy him then?"

"No! Well, not a lot. I think it will pass."

"Hmm, well how does it feel when you snog him? Like Brandon?"

"Hey, who said that I snogged him?" Mara asked a bit defensively.

"Oh, please Mara. It's written all over your face. Now answer my question please. How does he make you feel?"

She sighed. Lucy could be quite relentless when she wanted to be. "Well, when I kiss him, there is this hot spark. Like my body is in flames and I can feel my heart pulsing everywhere. And when he looks at me, well, I feel hot under his gaze."

"Uh huh. And what about girls?"

Mara blinked. "Girls?" What did Luce mean by girls? Wasn't it established that she was into boys not girls? She did have a boyfriend now.

"I mean, how do you feel when girls are around him, I'm assuming he's attractive, you do go for the fit looking boys, Mara. No offense."

She thought back to Jerome's fan girl encounter. Just the thought of him touching that girl had her blood boiling. "It makes me mad. Or angry. Or upset?"

"Or jealous?" Lucy put in helpfully. "Mara you are jealous."

"What? No I'm-"

"Mara!" Lucy placed her own hand atop her's. "You are jealous when other girls are around him. Admit it."

"But they are all first years!" She protested "How can I be jealous of younger girls?"

"You just can. And you are." Luce gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "But it's ok to be jealous. It's a normal emotion."

Mara looked down at Lucy's hand that was resting on her own. She had hot pink stars sprinkled all over her nails. "No it's not."

"It's not what?"

She looked up at the redhead. "It's not ok to be jealous. I-my ugly side comes out when I'm jealous, Lucy. I almost got a teacher fired last term because of my stupid girly hormones acting up. Granted I stopped it, but I did hurt some people and almost caused a huge misunderstanding. I don;t want to do that again. Not to Brandon especially."

Lucy nodded sympathetically. "Well as long as you don't use Brandon to make the other boy jealous or anything, it's all good-Mara why are you turning pale? Please don't tell me you did that."

She buried her face in her hands. "I didn't think about it at the time, but now, I think I did! Oh Lucy, I'm a terrible person!" She felt horrible. She had done the one thing she hated, being used, and did the same thing that Jerome did, to Brandon. And for what? Her jealousy? Her revenge? Her ego? Jealousy did bring out her ugly side.

"Hey, hey , hey." Lucy soothed. "It was a mistake, alright? And now you know it's a mistake. You took responsibility for it and won't do it again. But Mara, if you really don't fancy Brandon in that way, you shouldn't date him. It's not fair to the poor boy that every time he snogs you, you think about someone else."

"But I don't. Not really. I can connect with Brandon. With the other boy, I think I only like him for his kisses, not rationally."

"Well, whether it be rational or physical, you want him. More than your own boyfriend." She hopped off the counter and asked. "Tell me, do you get jealous when other girls surround Brandon? Flirt with him? Talk with him?"

Mara shook her head and Lucy smiled. "Well, there's your answer then, Mara. Brandon might be absolutely perfect, but it's the imperfect one that your heart, or your body, wants. Now don't look so glum. A customer just walked in. Smile!"

We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

"My heart (or body) want's the imperfect one?" Mara muttered, tracing the engraved words with her fingers. She was back, yet again standing in front of marble wall, thinking about her distraught love life. It was really becoming a habit, but the park calmed her still. Even at night.

She sighed and plopped down on the bench; Lucy's words still ringing in her head. It was true, she admitted, that she was jealous when other girls surrounded Jerome, or when he flirted with them, and it was also true that she wasn't, when the same thing happened with her own boyfriend. Was it because he was popular, that it was so normal for Brandon to get so much attention and Mara was used to it? Or was it because she was comfortable with him being surrounded by girls, because she knew he only liked her?

All sounded like good options, but then came the question of how he made her feel.

It was true that Brandon was kind and gentle, his kisses sweet and tender. But Jerome...Jerome just made her feel. His kisses were scorching hot and his touch sent her body into overdrive, and Mara knew, she knew, that it was only a physical need. That there was no deeper connection, no emotional bond, no relationship spark. Because it was Jerome, and Jerome wasn't the relationship type.

But Mara was. She wasn't the type of girl that would screw around with anyone for a one time thing, nor was she the type to chase after someone for her hormonal needs. No. She was a rational and emotional person, and wanted to be with someone who would cherish her, care for her, and respect her. Someone who she could have endless conversations with, and spill her heart's desires to, someone she could trust herself to. And Jerome wasn't the one.

Yet despite herself, Mara wondered what it would feel like to be in a relationship with him. Jerome wasn't dumb or stupid, nor was he careless, that Mara knew for a fact. He was quite smart, his intelligence almost rivaling her own, and was sharp beyond belief. There was a reason why most of his stunts went around uncaught; he was careful. Very careful when he needed to be. So despite what other people thought about him or what he wanted them to think about him, she knew his attributes very well. So maybe there could be a connection if they-

She stood up and shook her head. No way! What was she thinking! There was no way, at all, that Mara would ever do that. It was like leaping into the ocean without a life jacket, no chance of making out alive. She sighed and closed her eyes. Brandon was perfect, everything she wanted in a guy and more, but she wasn't content with him.

He wasn't the one that her body craved, wasn't the one that got her blood flowing, but he was perfect. She couldn't let him go, shouldn't let him go, he had done nothing wrong. Some might even say she was selfish for not being happy for what she was given, but it wasn't fair. Not to him. Never to him. He didn't deserve to be treated like the second best, the rebound guy who got compared to the first one.

Lucy was absolutely right. It wasn't fair. To either one of them. You couldn't force yourself to be happy when you didn't want to be, Mara knew that from experience, but to chain someone to you and do the same to them? Impossible.

Mara's eyes fluttered open to the starless sky. The imperfect one. She liked the broken one, the doll that had a kink in it. She smiled. How surprising. Maybe broken things drew one another in, maybe that's why a part of her was so drawn to Jerome. Because once upon a time she was a broken doll too.

Glancing back at the marble memorial one final time, she slowly made her way back to the Anubis house. There was a lot of things that were muddy still, but one thing was clear.

She had to break up with Brandon.

Breaking up with Brandon was easier said than done, especially when he was being such a good boyfriend. First he had come to the Anubis house and walked her to school, then he had taken the heat off of her in physics class, when Mr. Jillian kept bombarding her with questions, and then he had walk her to her next class; even giving her a sweet peck for a goodbye. Not only that, but he had also promised to pick her up from work and apologized for not doing so yesterday; he had a game. That boy was really doing a great job of making the breakup as hard as possible, even if he wasn't aware of it.

Mara sighed and crinkled the file in her hand. Why did she always end up as being the errand girl for her teachers between class periods? You would think that out of the many people that went to this school, someone else could take a message once in a while. She had other problems to deal with on her plate, namely the a certain dirty blonde haired boy who was doing a very good job of avoiding her.

Not that she cared though. Much, anyways. But because that boy was the root cause of all her major problems, she kinda had to care. Great, even when Jerome was not trying to get her attention, he got it anyways.

The second late bell had already rung, making the busy hallway, scarce. She walked slowly, remembering what happened the last time she was alone in an empty hallway. Unconsciously, she touched her lips, the vivid memory coming back to her like vision. The kiss, the touch, the whispers...And just like that her thoughts snapped when she heard a couple of voices arguing.

"You should be in class!"

"Yeah, whatever. So should you."

"I'm serious, Eddie! What if I call your mum and tell her about your stupid behavior!"

"Don't tell my mom, anything, Poppy. And why are you even here? Go bother someone else for a change."

"I wont!"

"Hey," Mara said, rounding the corner "What's going on here?" What she came across was none other than Eddie, siting propped against the wall with his head phones on, while a very flustered looking Poppy loomed above. They both turned to stare at Mara when she spoke; Poppy even turning a bit red.

"School representative," the younger girl sputtered "what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you both the same thing." Mara replied, holding up her file. "Shouldn't you both be in class?" She eyed Eddie distastefully. Although she didn't know much about the boy, the one encounter with him on Friday's party had her very wary.

"Well Miss Rep," The American rebel propped his chin on his knee. "we should be. Doesn't mean we want to be."

"Well you do. And besides, what are you doing sitting in the middle of the hallway? If you are trying to ditch, do it in a more subtle manner."

Eddie shrugged and popped his headphones back on. "I'm not trying to be subtle. I'm giving out a message."

Mara raised an eyebrow. "About?"

"That I really hate math." He grinned at her. "Now please, if you are not going to do anything, go away. And take that pint sized annoyance with you." He said, referring to Poppy, who looked just about ready to explode.

Mara watched in awe as she stomped toward him, yanked off his head phones, and yelled at him some more. This was not the same shy girl she met yesterday.

"Eddison, I swear to god, if you don't get your arse up and go to class, I will call your mum and tell her you're skipping again!"

"Gee, Poppy. Was using my full name really necessary?" He rolled his eyes "And besides, why are you so deadest on me going to class? Like I said, I hate math. So let me listen to my music in peace and try to forget this stupid school. Ok? ok."

"No, it's not ok!" Poppy shot back, glaring at the dark blonde haired boy "Your mum sent you here to break your bad habit of skipping class, and what do you do? Skip classe! You've only been here a couple of months and already it has started."

"Oh, fuck off Poppy." Eddie groaned "I still blame you for always talking about this place so that my mom sent me here. Your fault."

"Is not!"

"Is too."

"Um, excuse me." Mara politely interrupted, staring at the two people "But how exactly do you know one another?"

Eddie smirked. "Well you see, it's really none of your business. But it you really wanna know, we were star crossed lovers, torn apart by countries-OW! Geez Poppy, you hit like a guy!"

"Oh, stop talking rubbish." Poppy scolded and turned to Mara. "We have known each other since we were little. My mum's best girl friend lived in America, and so every summer and other holidays we visited and rented the beach house next to her's. And Eddie happened to be her son, although I do wonder some times, since he only inherited his mum's looks and nothing else!"

She glared at him again. He smirked. Mara blinked. "So...you're childhood friend?" She asked Poppy tenderly, knowing very well the double meaning behind her words. Poppy's childhood friend, the one she had a crush on, it was Eddie? How was that even possible? But then again, a lot of things involving love had been impossible. Prime I.E, herself.

Poppy gave a slight nod and blushed. "Sad to say, it's true."

"Whatever, Pops," Eddie stretched "I'm still not going back to class. Take it or leave it. And by the way, aren't you also missing your class too? How is that for irony?"

Poppy stomped her foot. "Eddie! You-I, ugh! You're impossible!"

He closed his eyes and smiled, tucking his hands behind his head and leaning on the wall. "That's my name. Don't wear it out."

"Ugh! Mara can you do something to make him go to class?" Poppy pleaded, facing Mara. "You are the school representative. That accounts for something, right?"

Mara shrugged helplessly. "The only thing I can do, is report him to Victor, and believe me, I don't think you want that."

Eddie cracked an eye open. "So let me get this straight. Being the School Representative is like being the Queen, only for show with out having any official power? Like a puppet? Talk about rough."

Mara flushed. "Don't talk about our Queen like that."

He grinned. "Another thing about you Brits, so protective of your Queen, other than the odd dialect. Like who says rubbish anymore? And snogging? That just sounds plain bad."

"Oh yeah? What about you Americans with your crude sense of humor and fattening foods?" A new voice spoke up. All three turned to see, no other than Patricia marching towards them. "I can say a few things about your 'dialect' too, so shut it."

"Patricia," Mara asked, staring at her roommate "what are you doing here?"

"I'm the messenger sent to fetch you." She answered "Since you were taking abnormally long to give in a file, the teacher got worried. Now I see why." She kicked Eddies sneakers. "Nice shoes. Very rebel boy precise."

"Nice fishnets," Eddie retorted "very prostitute precise, especially when put together with that short skirt. Congrats."

Patricia's eyes flashed. "Say that again, I dare you."

Eddie smirked. "No thanks. One compliment per day, Trishie."

"Of course. All you American's have nothing better to do besides going against society and get fat. No wonder nothing good comes out of you all's mouths." Patricia spat. "Mara, hurry up and get to class, and be sure to leave this garbage behind."She turned around and starting walking the way she came.

"Love you too!" Eddie hollered after her, to which she responded giving him the reverse peace sign.

He chuckled as he watched her round the corner. "Did she really just flip me off in Brit style?" When Poppy nodded, he leaned back once more and muttered. "She's hot."

That was the cue Mara needed to scurry away.

"I can't believe the nerve of that guy!" Patricia grumbled, setting the dinner plates down "Calling me a bloody prostitute! Who the hell does he think he is?"

Mara shrugged and put the spoons out. "A rebel American boy?"

"This is why I hate Americans!"

"Hey, don't be hating on Americans." Nina said, walking in "I thought we were bonding."

Patricia sighed. "Not you Nina, this new boy. What was his name Mara?"

"Eddie."

"Yeah, Eddie. He called me a prostitute."

Nina's eyebrows shot up. "Whoa, really? That's a bit harsh."

"I know! But whatever. Mara call down all the people for dinner."

Mara blinked. "Why me?"

"Because you are the closest to the door and Nina and I will be helping Trudy set dinner."

"But-"

"No buts! All you have to do and knock on two doors, now shoo!" Patrica waved her off, going into the kitchen.

Mara sighed and stated walking down the hall. First door up was Fabian and Mick's. She knocked.

"Guys, dinner is ready!" Two muffled voices answered in response. She smiled. Next up was going up stairs to Nina and Amber's rooms to call the blonde beauty out. But when she got to the door, she heard a high pitched shriek, followed by Alfie's laughter.

She poked her head through the door. It was Alfie and Amber...painting their nails? What?

"Um, guys, not to interrupt, your, um, activity, but dinner is set."

"Oh ok, thanks Mara." Amber smiled "Alfie Lewis, if you think you can get away with doing only three nails, you are dead wrong!"

"But Amber!" Alfie whined to his girlfriend. "Men don't wear hot pink nail polish!"

"Well, too bad!"

Mara giggled and left the arguing couple to their company. Now for the last door. Jerome and Alfie's room, but since Alfie was with Amber; it would only be Jerome. She took a deep breath in and marched towards his door.

Standing in front of it, she reached out to knock, when the door flung open and she came face to face with Jerome. Both of them froze, Mara with her hand raised ready to knock and Jerome just staring down at her.

Mara broke the silence first. "I was just about to knock and call you down for dinner."

He stayed silent, as if waiting for her to say more and Mara felt herself grow awkward.

"Well, that's all." She muttered at last, turning to go.

"Wait! Mara." Jerome reached out and grabbed her arm. "I have something to say."

Her eyes landed on his grip on her arm and she looked back up at him. He let go in a flash, probably remembering the last conversation they had about him touching her so freely. "Yes? I'm listening."

He ran a hand through his hair. He was nervous. "I just wanted to say, I'll try."

She stared at him. "Try?"

Jerome sighed and looked at her straight in the eyes. "I hate when you're with him, Mara. I hate when he touches you, hate when you laugh with him, and hate when he kisses you. It drives me bloody insane."

Mara was quiet, her heartbeat slowly thudding faster with his every word, waiting for him to go on.

"I know he is so fucking perfect, the dream boyfriend that every little girl wants, and I know that you trust him. But Mara, if you give me a chance, I'll try to be better. I'll prove myself to you."

He gave her an almost scared, desperate kind of look; his blue eyes shining with a tiny sliver of hope. A crack in his armor. "I'll try Mara. I'll try to make you trust me with your feelings. I promise."

Hope you like it. Please review and I will post more chapters up. Thank You