The next few days, Eric and I went back to being close friends again. I swear it was like we were on some sort of roller coaster. Then again isn't that what life was full of, ups and downs?

It threw me off on Thursday, when Eric showed up after volleyball practice with a bouquet of purple roses. I remember seeing it when we played Erudite and thought it was the most prettiest thing. Apparently someone played with the flowers hues and came up with the rich dark purple.

"What's going on," I asked cautiously as we hugged and I took the bouquet.

"It's your birthday," he responded with his signature smirk. I rolled my eyes. I had totally forgot about it. "It's not every day one of my friends turns seventeen, so I thought I'd get her something from home."

"You remembered I asked about this," I said looking down at the roses.

He started to chuckle. "Yeah. Plus too, I figured I had someone send me that before your brother thought of it."

I started to laugh and hugged him again. "Thanks Eric."

He walked me over to the campus pool, which I thought was weird. Right before we entered, he flipped a switch inside one of the offices and purple and white Christmas lights came on over the pool.

"SURPRISE!"

I looked to see some of the guys and the girls in their swim clothes. Aidan was the first to hug me. He said he couldn't get me anything, but really wanted to do something. I told him that this was okay and that having him back as my brother was the best gift ever. Christina naturally had packed me a bikini. Lauren already knew about it, so I had to push her in the pool first for not telling me during volleyball practice.

We swam for a while, until Aidan brought out a huge cookie with white chocolate and butterscotch chips. It was huge!

"It's not a cake, but I know you love their cookies," he said as he stuck a small candle on top. "Mom and Dad asked what to send over, so I told them this." I was glad actually. I did love the cookies from the shop at home and I didn't want to make a big deal about anything. In a matter of three months, Aidan would be turning eighteen and I told Dad, that they should go all out for that instead.

"I can't believe you're okay with a huge cookie," protested Christina. "I mean yeah, it's huge like a pizza, but it's not really a cake."

"I don't want to make a big fuss, it's not like I'm turning eighteen or twenty or some special age."

"Still, it's like your day, you should feel special."

"That's what make Alex unique," said Eric throwing his arm around my shoulder. "She's always special," he finished as he stared into my eyes. All the guys started to either clear their throats, fake cough, or make whistling sounds. Eric glared at them, took his arm off, and walked over to Edward and Peter who threw winks at him.

Even though I protested, Christina insisted that they sing before I blew the candle out.

After I blew it out, Christina just had to ask. "What did you wish for?"

"Nothing much," I answered as she glared at me. Marlene nudged her as Myra and Shauna started to laugh. Tris threw me a wink. Besides Myra, I recently told Tris that I had wanted to kiss Eric. I knew it was stupid, but for some reason I ended up wishing for that to happen soon.

"You know what she wished for," accused Uriah.

"No we don't," Myra laughed. Just as Edward was about to ask her, I pushed him in the pool.

"Hey, we still have some time before the pool closes down," I called, grabbed Aidan, and pulled him into the pool with me.

"So what did you wish for, sister," Aidan asked as he came up.

"Like I told Christina, nothing much. I already have a lot. Good friends, a great squad and team, an excellent school, and most importantly loving parents who gave me a totally awesome brother."

"And don't you forget that," he said as he splashed water on me.

We continued playing and swimming until 11 o'clock rolled around and security was going to lock everything up. I laid down in bed thinking about what I said to Aidan was true. I didn't feel any different because I was one year older, it just felt like another day. What I knew I was feeling though was happiness. Happy to have good friends, loving parents, and an awesome brother.

The next morning I woke up to Christina screaming.

"TGIF," she yelled happily as I rubbed my eyes. If there was anything Christina loved, it was getting us all made up for the pep rally and then the football game on Saturdays. Great! Since I was her room mate, she would get started with me first. And especially since Lauren and I didn't cheer the whole football game, she made sure to put extra glitter, body paint, hair spray, or whatever else on us.

Despite what we looked like, today's pep rally went great. After Grant asked Shauna if we wanted to help with the Clash of the Classes. I asked what that was and apparently during certain weeks, the senior, junior, sophomore, and freshmen classes challenged each other in several things. In two weeks, it would be the Halloween challenge. We had to come up with a frightening dance routine to perform against one another. Shauna agreed and we brainstormed on what to do and see if we could get any of the guys involved.

"I don't want to do Thriller," said Tris.

"I know what you mean," agreed Lauren. "The senior class last year did that. It would look like we copied them." Somewhere in the conversation, I found out that we came in last place. Something the junior class rarely does. When I asked why, everyone got quiet and just said there was a difference of opinions.

"Why don't we do something like hard rock," asked Lynn. Even though she wasn't a cheerleader, it was a class thing and since it was for Halloween, she was more than happy to get involved. Hard rock got me thinking about Aidan and I playing on guitar and drums at home.

What is that song with the good guitar rift - Alex

There's a lot - Aidan

The one u rock out to - Alex

Again there's a lot - Aidan

Ha ha. I kno, but it's one about sleeping and going off to Never Land - Alex

"Like Rob Zombie or Marilyn Manson," questioned Marlene. "Argh, no thank you, Lynn."

"Why not," Lynn protested. I wanted to tell them wait, I got a good rock song.

Enter Sandman by Metallica - Aidan

Coolness - Alex

Thanks for thinking I rock out to it - Aidan

Of course you do, I wouldn't have said it unless I didn't think it - Alex

One of the many things ur awesome brother does huh - Aidan

Of course. Thanks for being awesome - Alex

"Lynn's right," I added laughing at mine and Aidan's text messages. "Why not do Enter Sandman by Metallica?" Lynn nudged Marlene as if to say 'you see'. "It's scary, plus too I like the guitar rift in there." Lynn gave me a high five and an encouraging smile to Marlene.

"We can't really dance to it though," said Myra making Lynn's smile disappear. "We could rock out to it and of course make the stage look scary, but it is a dance off."

"After last year, I really want to prove that we can do both," added Shauna. "Scare and perform."

We got quiet again, debating what to do, until Christina screamed. She had her iPod on this whole time and I'm assuming a song just came on that she thought was perfect.

"No, Christina," said Lauren first. "We're not doing one of your boy bands."

"Shut up Lauren. It's not technically a boy band. They're a bit older, so they're like a man band now," she responded which made Lauren, Tris, and I laugh. "Let's do Everybody by Backstreet Boys!"

"How is that song scary," questioned Marlene.

"Yeah, it's a pop dance song," I answered. "But Marlene is right. Exactly how is it scary?"

"Have none of you seen the music video? We can imitate the video, dress like them, mimic the whole theme, turn the stage into something frightening," Christina said looking at Shauna. "But it still has those pop elements that we can do a total awesome routine too."

"Alright, youtube it, let's see this video," said Tris. Christina gave Tris a weird look. "Yes, Christina, I haven't seen it."

After we saw it, we ran the idea pass Grant and he thought it was awesome. Four and Zeke agreed to help with lighting and effects. Christina and Marlene were in charge of costumes and makeup of course. And believe it or not we got quite a lot of guys to help and dance too. Lauren and Myra were really good at convincing them. I think half of them were scared of Lauren and Myra just seemed so sweet, who could tell her no? Tris, Shauna, Mia, and I would work on the routine. It was in two weeks and we knew that we had it in the bag.

To say I was nervous for our game was just the tip of the iceberg.

Good luck - Aidan

Thanks. We're going to try and get there in time for u - Alex

Don't sweat it. Focus on ur game first, ok - Aidan

LOL. I'll try - Alex

U got this, I saw ur first game, remember - Aidan

Yea. It was nice to hear u cheering for me - Alex

Even though I'm not around, just remember that u can do it - Aidan

Thanks. U really r an awesome brother - Alex

We won our third volleyball game easily, taking out Navy Pier prep in three sets. I was about to text Aidan and let him know, but I figured we were heading to the game anyways. Although I didn't want to agree to it, especially after what Eric told me and Lauren confirmed, Lauren's brother was there to take the two of us to the football game.

"Don't worry," Lauren said right before we got to the car. "I told him you and Eric are dating."

"You did what?" I stopped.

"Listen, Alex," Lauren scolded as she turned around. "I know Eric likes you. I know you like Eric. Am I right?"

I shrugged.

"Argh! Okay fine, don't admit it. But it's there. So just go along with it. I really don't like the idea of my brother scamming on my friends, no offense." Right as we opened the door, she stopped me. "I'm going to get you to admit you like Eric one day, I swear."

"Oh boy. Should I be scared?"

"Yes, Alex. Yes, you should," Lauren finished as we both started to laugh and sit down in the car.

"Sup Alex. That was a good game you had tonight," said Luke looking in his rear view mirror.

"Thanks."

"The other week, too. I would have told you, but I saw you leaving with your boyfriend. What's his name again?"

"It's Eric," Lauren shouted.

"Eric and I aren't..." I got interrupted by Lauren clearing her throat. "Yeah, he wasn't feeling good, so we decided to skip the whole crowd thing."

"I told you, she's taken. Now hurry up and get us to the game," yelled Lauren. Even though it wasn't true, it was nice to pretend that he was for that brief moment.

Christina was totally upset that we didn't do up our hair. My hair I left half up and half down. Lauren just left her hair down. We had it braided for the volleyball game, once we took it out, it fell into waves on our backs. It actually looked nice on Lauren. She was really pretty, if she didn't act like such a bitch. I could see why she and Peter were together now. Because Peter was kind of a jerk, but it was nothing Lauren, and I think only Lauren, couldn't handle.

They just had kickoff. As I looked out into the crowd, I saw mom wave at me. I wanted to tell Aidan See, they come to your games, not mine. But I remembered that me and him were going to get pass that. I waved back and then turned my attention to the game.

It was pretty obvious that the team had this win also. Aidan came close to tying the record for passing yards again. Surprisingly tonight, it was Uriah that had two touchdowns, instead of Four or Zeke. Eric got a few interceptions, one for a touchdown, yet again. Edward, Dominic, and Brian got so much good tackles in. Dominic almost got knocked out by one of the offensive lineman from the other team. Letty and some of the other girls from the volleyball team got there around third quarter, but just in time to see that hard hit. It was silent for a while as we waited for him to get up. Brian and Eric helped him off the field. He gave a salute to the crowd as we clapped. We later found out he had a bruised rib. The doctors determined it wasn't serious, but he stayed out the rest of the game. I couldn't help but feel my heart skip a beat. That could have hurt more. Then the worst thought came to my head was that that could have been Aidan.

"Mom," I yelled as I saw her next to Aidan on the field after the game. She opened her arms and I ran to her. I felt so bad about the trouble I got into and it was nice to feel my mom taking me in again. Although according to Aidan and Eric, the love they had for me never left.

"Come here, sweet pea," called my dad. I had to laugh inside, my parents called me sweet pea because of that story I loved to hear my mom tell me when I was little. It was The Princess and the Pea. I gave my dad a hug and then hugged Aidan.

"I'm so glad you're safe," I said as we pulled out of the hug.

"Hey, stuff like that happens. I'm just glad that it didn't end up worst for him. Dom's going to Stanford."

"So, is Letty," I responded smiling. "She got a scholarship."

"So did Dom. Which reminds me," Aidan said turning to mom and dad. "The DSU coach was at our game last week. Coach said he came to look at Four and Zeke, but he's thinking about taking me, too."

Mom and Dad hugged and congratulated him again. DSU? I was planning on going to DU and I thought so was Aidan. Aidan turned to me and saw the sadness on my face. I tried to fake a smile and then his smile disappeared.

"Alex," he asked stroking my cheek as a tear started to run down.

"I thought we were both going to DU, that's all." Aidan pulled me into a hug as my mom stroked my hair.

"Ah, sweet pea, you know your brother is always going to be there for you, even though he's at another school," she said as I let another tear fall out and onto Aidan's jersey. Aidan and I were slowly putting back the pieces of our family bond together and now he was planning on leaving. No wonder he sent that text. My dad eased me out of Aidan's hold.

"Now, listen there's nothing to cry about. Your brother loves you and your mom is right, going to another school isn't going to change that," dad said. I looked at Aidan who gave an indiscreet shake of his head. I guess he didn't tell Dad about what happened freshmen year. Them sending us to different schools did almost tear us apart.

"We'll always be family, we'll always be Kents," he said smiling.

"I know," I said pulling away from my dad. "I'll just miss you that's all, Aidan." He smiled and pulled me into another hug. I glanced over Aidan's shoulder and saw Luke watching me. Dad said we should go to dinner, so I told him that I was going to let my ride know. But I didn't. Instead I text Lauren and then set out to find Eric.

He was sitting down on the sidelines and for a brief moment, I wondered why. Then I remembered what he told me about his dad. He smiled when he saw me get closer. I sat down on the bench next to him, rested my head on his shoulder, and let his arm wrap around me.

"What's wrong?"

"My brother might go to DSU."

"Isn't that a good thing?"

"I guess I always thought we go to the same college."

"I know I've told you this before," he said as I moved to look up at him.

"Maybe I need to hear it again," I replied while making that sad face he said I perfected.

Eric shook his head and started to chuckle. "Your brother cares about you, Alex. No college is going to change that." Eric leaned down and kissed my forehead.

I leaned up and kissed his cheek. "By the way, you played an excellent game, Mr. Matthews."

"Thank you very much, Ms. Kent." We both started to laugh.

"My parents were going to take Aidan and I to dinner, they said we could each bring one friend, I was wondering if you wanted to come?"

"I'd love to," he said as he kissed my forehead again. "But, who is your brother bringing?"

"REALLY?" I jumped back on the bench a little. "You didn't look up in the stands?" Eric shook his head. I grabbed his arm as we both stood up and I led him through the crowd a little. I stopped, looked at him, and then nodded in the direction of some of our friends. There, in the middle of Myra, Edward, Christina, and Will was Cara.

We ended up going to Dave and Busters. It wasn't really somewhere to sit and eat, but when Aidan and I were playing air hockey against Cara and Eric, I looked up at my dad and caught him smiling at us. Then I realized, he just wanted us to spend time together.

Aidan and I had fun. I don't know what possessed him and Eric to do it, but Cara and I had to go to the bathroom several times to get spitballs out of our hair.

"Your brother and Eric are such clowns," Cara said as I was picking two spitballs out of her hair.

"I know what you mean. But Aidan is really an awesome brother and even better friend. And Eric, well," I started to laugh. "Eric is really cool, too."

"Can I ask you a question, Alex?"

"Sure."

"Do you like Eric?" Cara spun around to face me. "Your eyes lit up just now when you were talking about him."

"Honestly I don't know."

"How can you not know?"

"Do you like my brother?" I smiled as her face started to blush. "Your eyes lit up too when I mentioned his name the first time we met."

"I can't really say. Sometimes I think I do... but..."

"You're just scared of what may happen," I finish for her. "I know the feeling." She and I hugged. "Honestly though, Cara, Aidan is really cool guy. He's funny and caring and very understanding. And I know he thinks very highly of you." Her smile got big. "He wouldn't have invited you, if he didn't think otherwise."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." With that we walked out to face the straws and spitballs again.

Our parents drove Cara back to Erudite campus and then brought us back to ours. I fell asleep in the SUV, thankfully on Aidan's shoulder. I think Dad would have flipped to see me on Eric's. Dad said they had to go somewhere for next weekend, so they wouldn't be able to make Aidan's game, but wished him good luck. After Aidan and Eric dropped me off at my room, I couldn't help but feel happy for my brother. Even though he was going to be so far away from me, I knew he would always care about me. Speaking to Cara about Aidan, was in a way helping me to accept that. First Myra, Edward, then Eric, and now Cara. I didn't realize how very much so these kids from Erudite were helping me to realize so much about myself and the people around me.