With the weekend over it was my first day back at school since the incident with Crystal Love. 'It's the moment of truth. I hope I survive the day.' I took in a deep breath and passed the college gates and headed towards the enormous building I liked to call 'The Undergates Of Hell.' Thankfully, I no longer had to push myself. Being in Tres Spades meant I had more freedom. In that way I felt like a big weight was lifted from my shoulders but in another, I really would miss my friendship with Joelle. I only wished there was something I could do...'Hah. I prepared myself for this. It's time to face the facts. The guys in Tres Spades are nice and all but it's just that, 'they are guys' I no longer have a girl to just chill out with and fangirl with in secret.' Even though that consisted usually of our time spent walking home from school and the rare occurrences that Joelle got time to spend with me. Our friendship definitely wasn't your normal one but I cherished it nonetheless.

Standing in front of the entrance to the college I steeled my nerves and stepped into the fiery abyss.

It hurt me to see Joelle at school but wasn't allowed to go anywhere near her. Kat refused to even acknowledge my existence. She doesn't even give me that smug look of hers any more or glare at me like I'm something despicable. In a way, It was a relief, though, I hate to admit it, it became such a part of my life I missed it. But maybe that was because I knew the fact she no longer treats me that way is because she has taken Joelle from me. The very thought was painful. 'I don't even know what I'm thinking any more. Ugh... School is such a drag. It was enjoyable when I at least had Joelle but now...' I sadly hung my head. I couldn't wait to graduate. I only had under a year left and I'd be free from this hell hole. It's just a matter of lasting that long.

The day continued and I was pretty surprised to see nothing had changed. Well that would be a lie. Instead of the usual teasing and bullying, the kids in school are mimicing Kat, It's like I don't exist at all. 'I should be thankful I'm left in peace but honestly it's kind of...freaky? Yeah, definitely freaky.' It was as if everyone just mindlessly followed Kat. Just because her family owned the college and had control over everyone's lives it didn't mean they had to blindly follow her. ...Well, that's what I'd like to think, these poor kids are probably scared of what she would do. Though I know some who just suck up to her to get what they want.

And that is what bothers me, 'Why don't any of them stand up for themselves? ...It's not like I can speak though. Just look at me now.' I shook my head like it was hopeless.

Classes were over in a flash, it was what would be the beginning of many crazy days at Kanata college where I was now the invisible kid, literally. "I guess it's better than them all being out for my blood." I shrugged as I mumbled into my locker.

"Elli."

"Kyaaah!" I jumped at the sound of someone calling out to me. I quickly slammed my locker shut and turned around in a fright. "Huh, Joelle...?" I was besides myself to see Joelle standing before me. I looked around and saw not only Joelle but Stephanie, Mandy and Yumi as well. "What are you all doing here?" I asked in total confusion, I thought my heart was going to stop. I must have slipped into some twilight zone.

"We are sorry." Stephanie suddenly bowed her head and the others followed. "Why are you apologizing?" I asked, my eyes wide in disbelief. 'What on earth is going on? I must be dreaming.' I Inconspicuously pinched myself, 'Ow. ...Nope. Not dreaming.' "We haven't treated you very nice." Mandy said, her eyes flickered with sadness. "Kat went too far. I know we weren't any better but we don't want to be your enemy any more." Yumi smiled solemnly. "We thought we were only protecting her. It seems we have only made it worse." Mandy sighed. "You've probably noticed how nearly everyone in school follows her every whim? They too live in fear of what she might do." Stephanie said, looking troubled. "Remember when I told you in the past that Kat use to be a sweet loveable girl?" Joelle chimed in and started to explain something important, "It's probably time you learnt a little to why Kat is how she is."

'Hmm. I've wondered this for some time. What is the reason behind her?' I focused my attention squarely on Joelle, "It was about 7 years ago. Kat was only 14 at the time. She had an older sister she really looked up to. Her sister was exceptional with music. The two of them would always be seen together. It was Lissa's dream to see Kanata flourish into a vibrant city with Kat at her side." I could feel myself start to get emotional before she even finished explaining, 'Oh gods...This is going to be sad isn't it...'

"One day, Kat and Lissa had gotten into a fight. Kat had pushed herself too hard trying to lighten Lissa's load. There was a eight year age gap between the two, Kat had burnt herself out trying to juggle school and chores not meant for one of her age. Kat got seriously sick from her exhaustion. Kat worked herself hard because she loved her sister and could see the effect the of tireless hours of work was having on her. Kat only wanted to help. Trying to govern the province of Kanata and see to its growth was definitely not easy. Of course their parents also had their fair share in the project. It was the first fight the sisters ever had. The night of her death, Kat locked herself in her room, refusing to see her sister. Saying she didn't understand. It was then, Lissa left the house and decided to cool her head in the night air."

'Oh no...no... this is it.' I was on edge as I waited to hear what happened.

"There was explosion that night. It resulted in a fire. Seeing this, Lissa jumped into action and saved the lives of those trapped in the diner. Except...She didn't make it. Lissa risked everything to save those people and it sadly cost her life. When Kat learned about her sisters death, she grew cold and emotionless. She completely withdrew from society. Kat got no comfort from her parents. They too were so distraught that they couldn't cope, they didn't even think what affect it would have on her. As time went on, Kat returned to school, she sought friendship and solace from those around her but everyone only seeked to use her. They wanted only her money. Being the owner of Kanata province and the richest family here to boot. People used Kat's weak state to take advantage of her. After being hurt once too many times, Kat became cold and heartless. Instead of turning people away, she let those use her. She no longer cared. Kat lost her heart. I tried my best to help her but even I couldn't repair her opened wound. She has been suffering for so long. Kat believes she doesn't have a place in this world. After her sisters death, singing was the one thing that helped her to keep going. It was the last connection she shared with her sister. It hurt her that everyone only saw her as a monetary gain. She wanted to prove through her singing she is much more than that. ...But right now... When you came to the villa... it seemed to stir up feelings inside of her and it drove her mad."

'Wow. How... How do I feel about this...? In a way it reminds me of my sister... Except mine is still alive. Somewhere. But I can understand how she feels. ...It really hurts... But why does she have it so in for me?' As I contemplated that thought, Joelle continued.

"I think she is jealous." Joelle said and I gasped. "Jealous? Of me?" I couldn't believe it. No way. "You got into college because you are talented. I think maybe you remind her of Lissa. Lissa was also very talented and Kat struggled to keep up with her. Kat knew she could never live up to her sister. She was their shining star. Kat was proud of her older sister but at times she was envious. Especially when her parents played favorites, they may not even know the affect it had on Kat, but it scarred her. Destroying her self image."

'Poor Kat... I didn't know... She really is struggling under her cold exterior.' "It all makes sense now." I muttered with a sad expression. "We are at a loss. Kat can't keep going on like this. I'm not sure what we can do... I try to tell her she isn't alone but she doesn't want to listen and tells me I don't understand..." Joelle gazed down with a doleful look in her eyes. "I may not understand the pain of her loss as she does but I was friends with Lissa. I too do miss her." Joelle said and sighed. She looked desperate to help her friend.

"I really didn't think Kat had this kind of backstory. I...I don't know what to say." I muttered, confusion filled my eyes. 'But she isn't the only one who knows what it feels like to loose someone. Sis... I just have to find you.' Thinking back on how Kat turned out after losing Lissa sent a shiver down my spine. To think I could have been similar.

"So what happens now? I'm not supposed to be seen with you." I asked with a dreary expression. "Don't worry. We are here to help." Stephanie suddenly spoke up. She held her head high, confidence written all over her face. "What kind of help?" I asked. "Your friendship with Joelle isn't over yet! We will make sure the both of you get to spend time together and hopefully be able to come up with a solution that will save Kat from herself." Mandy brightly explained. "Yep. Just leave it to us. Take it as our way of saying sorry for how we treated you. Of course I know that's not enough but it's a start. I would like to be your friend." Yumi grinned. I was besides myself. I felt like crying. Of all the things to happen I never once in my wildest dreams expected this.

"You...guys..." I started to grow teary eyed. "You aren't alone any more. From now on we are your friends." Stephanie nodded with a smile. "I've admired your determination for a long time. You really inspired me. I'm sorry we put you through so much." Mandy said. "You really are a strong person. Any of us would have crumbled under the pressure. I don't know anyone as amazing as you." Yumi said with admiration. "Sniff...guys...you aren't making this any easier..." Tears started to leak from my eyes. The girls all started laughing and then all at once they embraced me in a group hug. "Friends!" They said in unison. One thing after another. I couldn't believe in the short amount of time just how much my life had changed. I had gone from finding everything hopeless. Believing I'd be fated to spend my life alone, that I'd never achieve my dreams. But now, I believe anything is possible. I promised in my heart, I'd find a way to save her. I would save Kat from the darkness that resided inside her heart.