I'm back from Dubrovnik! Such a beautiful city and the surrounding islands are lovely- you can just find your own little cove to swim in, it's perfect! Thanks for your reviews. Let me know if you want me to carry on or to start winding up the story, as this is something that needs thinking about at this point.

xx-xx-xx-xx

On New Year's day, we packed our bags and headed back to our apartment in Vancouver. I finally switched on my phone, after leaving it off so that I could really enjoy our time away, to find a load of messages. Most were wishing us a Happy New Year, others were just wanting to catch up. Dana's name popped up on my screen , making me raise my eyebrows.

'Everything okay?' Zed squeezed my leg as he drove the car onto the main road.

'Yeah...just got a text from Dana. Weird.'

I opened the message.

Happy New Year! I'm glad to hear things with Zed are good. We're still looking for someone to lead the sorority and the girls wondered if you were interested. They trust you not to screw us over. Maybe call me sometime? Dana x

'What's it say?'

'The girls want me to lead the savant sorority.'

'And what do you think about that?'

'I don't know.' I bit my lip and replied honestly. 'I just worry after everything that has happened.'

'I know.' He squeezed my knee again before moving his hand back to the gearstick. 'But if you were in charge, then you could stop them using their abilities to hurt people. Teach them how to use them for good.'

'It sounds like a movie.' I laughed.

'Maybe.' He grinned back. 'But it could be reality if you let it.'

I sighed and sat back in my seat, stretching out my short legs in front of me. 'I'll think about it.'

It was dark by the time we got back to the apartment, and I was glad we had left the heating on whilst we were away. Although Vancouver was still waiting for snow, the air was frosty and white stuff could well have been on the way. Zed carried our belongings into the apartment, closing and locking the door behind him.

'Home sweet home.' I smiled, glad to be out of the stuffy car.

'I'm going to miss that hot tub though.' He grinned, putting down the suitcase and wrapping his arms around my waist. He pulled me close and pressed his forehead against mine. 'I meant what I said last night, by the way. This year.'

'I know.' I replied, gently kissing his lips. 'I meant what I said too.'

'Good.' He closed the gap between us again, this time kissing me with more urgency. My breath quickened, as did his, and he pushed me gently against the wall as his tongue started to explore my mouth. He pulled away, reluctantly.

'Why are you stopping?' I gasped.

'Because I promised Sally and Simon you'd call them when we got back.'

'Ugh.' I groaned, running a hand through my hair. 'Do I have to now?'

Zed shot me a wicked smile. 'Yes and then we can pick up where we left off.'

'Where's that phone?!'

It snowed that night. It was hardly the snow we had seen in the rockies, but there was just enough for the kids across the hall to make a snowman on the street. Unfortunately, being back in Vancouver meant I had to return to work. I threw on my snowboots, ski jacket and headed off with my change of Hollister clothes for when I arrived. I didn't fancy driving in the snow, so I caught the bus and I was glad it was on time for once.

'Did you have a nice break?' Casey smiled as I walked into the store at eight-thirty AM.

'Yeah.' I replied.

She spotted the ring on my finger. 'Oh, is everything good with you and your guy again?'

I nodded and smiled. 'Yep. All back to normal.'

'Good.' She gave my winter outfit a once-over. 'Please tell me you brought a change of clothes.'

'Of course.' I laughed.

'Thank god. We've got some scouts coming in today, hence why I needed everyone in so early. It's going to be hectic!'

'Scouts?'

'You know, modelling scouts. HQ are trying to find the new faces for the spring-summer collection. They're hosting auditions today, so I'm expecting the store to be super busy. When you've got changed, could you help the guys clear the Clearance area? They'll be here at 9am to set up and we've got to close off the area for auditionees only.'

'Sure, no problem.' I headed out back and got changed in the bathroom. What had I walked into? I suddenly felt guilty for going away when Casey clearly had lots going on. I was glad I had chosen my skinny jeans, blue lace cami, loose cream cardigan and my Hollister's version of UGG boots. It was going to be comfy for a long day. I took off my ear muffs and pulled my hair out of the loose bun I had thrown it in. Luckily, the blonde curls were behaving themselves and falling neatly down my shoulders and back. I quickly applied my natural make-up and checked my appearance in the mirror; for work, it would do fine. I placed my satchel in my locker and headed out on the shop floor, ready to help set up for the busy day ahead of me.

Sure enough, the scouts turned up at nine AM sharp, equipped with cameras, lighting and white backdrops. They disappeared into the sectioned-off area and nearly bit off Casey's head when she offered them a coffee. I decided it would be best to keep out of the way, so I arranged myself in the 'Girls' section, ready to help any customers that would need it.

'Sky!' Casey's voice called out as I tidied up a pile of t-shirts.

'What's up?'

'I need you to be out the back.'

'Oh... did I do something wrong?'

'No, not out that back. I mean in the clearance area. Customers are all crowding and the auditionees are just in a bundle. Can I leave you in charge of getting them all lined up and keeping them under control? I'll send someone over when it's time for your break.'

'Okay...' I replied, unsure of what else to say. I hardly wanted to spend my day hanging around with arrogant female and male models, but it didn't look like I had a choice. At least I was getting paid extra for my shift, as it was still classed as the holidays. I headed to the back of the store, where, sure enough, it was over-crowded and stuffy. The noise level was high and I wondered how on earth I was going to get through to all these people when I was a pocket-sized English girl.

'Excuse me! I'm afraid this area needs to be kept clear for auditionees only!' I called out in a big voice, which surprised myself. Customers turned to look at me with uncertainty. 'Unless you are one of our auditionees with modelling experience and an agent, I need to ask you to browse the front of the store or wait outside.'

A few people shuffled, but some stood their ground, eyeing me with looks that made me uncomfortable. 'If you aren't planning on cooperating, I can always call security.'

That made them move. The space cleared, leaving a small group of young men and women who were just too good-looking. It made me feel uncomfortable. The girls were all super-slim with well-groomed straightened hair, ridiculously long legs and they had slight curves in the right places. Their skin was completely smooth and blemish-free. Brilliant. The boys all had slightly-tanned skin and looked a bit muscular. However, they had nothing on my god-like girls eye-balled me.

'Would you all mind waiting in a line? Then you can head in when it's your turn.'

They did as I asked, much to my surprise. I stood next to the line and let out a deep breath. It was going to be a long day.

By the afternoon, most of the models had been interviewed and had had their shots taken by the scouts. Some were leaving in high spirits, others were mumbling under their breath. After having a quick lunchbreak, I returned to my spot to find eight models left in the queue.

'Sky!'

I lifted my gaze in confusion and curosity. I knew that voice. But it couldn't be.

'Sky Bright.'

I looked across to the back of the line. Impossible.

'Sam Johnson. Now what on earth are you doing here?!' I embraced my friend from England, the only person who had ever felt 'brave' enough to be friends with a 'messed-up freak' like me. He'd known me since I had been adopted by Sally and Simon, and had always stood by me. He'd made friends with me on my first day at secondary school, although I'd been a pretty crap friend and lost contact with him when I moved over to the states. He'd got a girlfriend, Mary, who couldn't stand the fact his best friend was a girl. She'd told him to choose, but at that point I left the country, so I told him he didn't need to.

'Oh my god, you still haven't grown!' He grinned, his emerald green eyes meeting mine.

'Oi.' I playfully hit him on the arm. 'But seriously, what are you doing here?'

'It's great to see you too!' He laughed. 'Well I'm actually travelling. I've been doing a bit of low-key modelling for cash and I just decided I'd pop in and try for a big name whilst I was in the city.'

I was hardly surprised he was a model. Sam had always been such a poser and the girls at school had loved him. He knew about fashion and I'd always referred to him as my 'gay-straight best friend', which he'd never been too pleased about.

'So where have you been?' I asked, glad I had something to make the day more interesting.

'I went to Europe first. Paris, Milan, Barcelona. Grabbed some modelling work with some companies there for the first year. Then I headed over to the states, travelled from Miami to New York. Now I'm in Canada. I wanted to see the sights, but if I can get some work then that's awesome.' He smiled, running a hand through his dark brown hair. 'What about you? What have you been up to and why Vancouver?'

'It's a long story...' I laughed awkwardly. 'I can't tell you why I've ended up in Vancouver instead of in the states. Not in public anyway. But it's really beautiful here. I've just got back from the rockies.'

'Oh up North? Awesome!' He glanced down at my hand and his eyes widened. 'And you're engaged?! Who's the lucky guy? You know I'm going to have to meet him and see if he's good enough.'

I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. 'He's called Zed. We went when I was back in the States. We moved here together and we live in an apartment just outside of town. He's great.'

'I should hope so too. You've only ever deserved the best.'

'Sam... Sam Johnson?' One of the scouts called, appearing in the archway in his suit.

'I'll catch you on the way out.' He smiled at me. 'We've got a lot of catching up to do!'

When Sam headed out, a smile plastered on his face, he handed me his business card with all of his details on. I promised I would call when I finished work, and that we would have dinner in the next few days. The rest of the afternoon remained dull, the auditionees flitting in and out of the makeshift audition room. I was pleased when the final model walked out. It meant my day of chaos was finally over.

'Did you want a coffee?' I asked the scouts, sticking my head through the doorway.

'No need to hide, darling.' A lady smiled. 'We don't bite.'

I walked in slowly, worried after overhearing them snapping at Casey that morning. 'Can I get you anything at all? You've had a busy day.'

'As have you, I'm sure.' Her smile was genuine and made me feel more at ease. The gentlemen in the room made me less comfortable. 'Have you been working here long?'

'About two months, maybe.' I shrugged.

'And do you enjoy working for Hollister?'

'I like helping people.' I smiled. 'And I love the clothes. I'd have a whole Hollister wardrobe if I could.'

She laughed at that. 'Are you at college?'

'Yes, I'm studying music here in Vancouver. It's a beautiful city.'

'You're from England, no?' One of the men said, looking up from his laptop. I nodded in response. 'Very cute.'

I wasn't sure how I felt about that, so I chose not to respond.

'I've seen a lot of young men and women today...' She squinted to read my name lanyard. 'Sky. And do you know what I've noticed?'

'No?'

'Most of them were the same. Cardboard cut-outs. Wax works. Copies of each other.' She frowned. 'Why do all girls have to have long legs, large breasts and no personality these days?'

'Because it sells.' One of the men sighed, rolling his eyes. 'When are you going to understand that Miriam?'

'But why? It's not realistic. I know we like pretty girls to sell our brand, and that's fair enough. But why do they all have to be 5ft8 with a 34inch inside-leg measurement? Look at Sky, here. She's got wonderful blue eyes, clear skin, gorgeous hair. She's petite, yes, but she suits our brand.'

I fidgeted on the spot, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. Did they want a coffee or not? I wanted the ground to swallow me up, or there to be a powercut so I could disappear into the darkness, avoiding the attention. The male scouts all looked up from their laptops and paperwork and gave me a once-over.

'Yes she does.' One of them said, unenthusiastically.

'Sky, have you ever thought about being a model?' The woman, Miriam, asked me.

'Not really.' I replied, honestly, blood rushing to my cheeks.

'You might be what we're looking for. Do you mind if we take a few shots? There's no need to be shy.'

I was exhausted when I got back to the apartment that night. The snow was still on the ground and the air was bitter, yet I felt like I was on fire. Having photographs taken was plain embarassing and as Casey had pointed out, it would have been rude to refuse. I closed the door to the apartment and let out a sigh of relief, glad to be in the warmth of my apartment.

'Hey beautiful.' Zed greeted me with a kiss and took my hat, scarf and coat. 'Good day?'

'Tiring day.'

'Well I cooked some pasta, so come and eat and tell me all about it.'

I smiled. 'I like this cooking version of Zed Benedict. I remember when you couldn't cook a pizza.'

'Ha-ha.' He grinned, kissing my cold nose. 'Don't tease or I'll stop cooking and leave it all to you, Mrs Benedict-to-be.'

I put on my fluffy slippers and followed him to the table, grateful to sit down and enjoy my food. Then I poured out everything that had happened.

'Do you think they'll choose you as a model?' Zed asked with a frown. 'Because we're supposed to be lying-low.'

'They won't ever choose me.' I shook my head. 'Besides, the Kellys are all behind bars now and for a long time.'

'I know, I just worry about you. And I don't want anyone finding out that we're savants.'

'A photo won't tell anyone that.' I squeezed his hand across the table. 'I think we've used up all our bad luck already.'

He half-smiled. 'So, tell me about this Sam dude.'

'I've known him for a while and he was my only friend back home. Everyone else thought I was too messed up and too much of a headcase to be friends with. But he just took me under his wing and always took care of me. Until he started dating Mary, anyway.'

'Why was she so jealous? Did something happen between you two?'

'Of course not.' I crinkled up my nose. 'He was like my brother. People just used to spread rumours about us. Apparently girls and boys can't be friends anymore without there being something else going on.'

'It's lame.' He smiled, kissing my hand. 'Just be careful, okay?'

'Of Sam or of modelling?

'Both.'