Very sorry for the delay. Didn't plan on it being nearly 3 months between chapters. Been busy with work and dealing with annoying health stuff. I'm going to try not to make it nearly as long for the next chapter. Thank you for your patience.

"Are you alright?" Angela turned off the radio, finally giving up after trying to find something that wasn't half music and half static. The farther into the mountains they got, the worse the signal became, and she wasn't quite desperate enough to listen to talk radio on the AM stations just yet.

Eric kept his eyes on the road. He didn't want to miss their exit. "I'm fine, why?"

"You've been quiet the whole drive. You didn't even want to play any car games."

"It would've been boring to play by myself. You fell asleep the second we got out of the city."

"I didn't plan on it. I think we once we were out of Philly my brain just…" She paused, trying to find the right way to describe it.

"Let out a big sigh of relief that it's just us? Then that made you so happy and delirious you passed out?"

She smiled at his description. "Something like that."

"Maybe that's why I'm quiet. My brain is relaxing after working on overdrive for so long." It wasn't because of the envelope in his backpack that would decide his future. At least that's what he tried to tell himself. "I'm not used to having nothing to do anymore."

Angela wasn't completely sure she believed him, but she wasn't going to push it. Not on day one of their vacation anyway. This time was supposed to be relaxing and fun. "Well get used to it." She moved a little closer to him and rested her hand on his leg. "For the next two weeks, you're all mine."

"You promise?" He shifted in his seat when her hand moved up his thigh. "That should probably wait until I'm not driving."

She removed her hand and put a little distance between them. "Right, sorry."

"Hey, I'm not complaining, just trying to avoid driving us into a lake. That would be a real mood killer." When she adjusted the visor to keep the late afternoon sun out of her eyes, he remembered something. "Oh, look in the glovebox."

"Why?"

"Why are you asking why like you think I booby-trapped it?"

"Are you or are you not the person who swapped out Jack's hair mousse with whipped cream and gel with honey last week?"

"Hey, that was a long-overdue payback for him eating my cereal."

"You also printed a fake schedule for the store and made Cory think he opened when he was supposed to close for your dad a couple of weeks ago."

"Yeah, but he's Cory. I know better than to prank you."

"What does that mean? You don't think I can take a joke?"

Eric wondered where that lake he was trying to avoid was when he needed it. "Is this seriously a conversation?"

She ran a hand through his hair and laughed. "It's so easy to screw with you."

"Do you want your surprise or not?"

"It's a surprise?"

"Not from me…not technically."

"What do you mean? Someone else left me a surprise?"

"In a way. I was cleaning out the car because- no offense to your Nan- but obviously the last time Gertrude was detailed was when she bought her and-"

"Who's Gertrude?"

He ran his hand along the dashboard. "We're riding in her. I finally picked a name."

"You named my grandmother's car Gertrude? It's so…old."

"Cars get old lady names. We went over this."

"But still…Gertrude?"

"Yeah. She can go by Trudy when she's being feisty and giving me problems."

"Okay…"

"What?"

"Nothing. What did you find when you were cleaning out…Gertrude?"

"Open the glove box and you'll see. It's in the red glasses case."

Still hesitant, Angela did what he asked and retrieved the glasses case. Inside she found a pair of oversized sunglasses with rhinestones.

"I found them a few days ago shoved under the driver's seat," he explained. "I was going to give them to you then, but with the craziness of exams I forgot."

"Wow, these were Nan's favorite pair. She didn't splurge on much, but she loved her sunglasses. These are Dior frames from the 1960s. Nan scored them for $2 at a yard sale. She kept asking the woman if she was sure. She ended up giving the lady a $5 bill and told her to keep the change." Without thinking, she immediately put the vintage frames on and looked at herself in the little visor mirror.

"That's not all that was in there. There was a picture, too."

"There was?" She turned her attention back to the glasses case and promptly found the photograph Eric was talking about carefully tucked inside. "Oh, wow," she said, bringing her hand up over her mouth. She was in the photo along with Nan and Camille. They were sitting on the hood of a car, all wearing oversized sunglasses, and blowing kisses at the camera. She had Tali tucked under her arm and smiled when she realized she and her doll had matching shades. Nan's elegant scroll dated the back of the picture: Me and my girls, August of '83. "This had to be right after we moved back to the states just after I turned three. If I remember the story correctly, dad was getting things settled on base at Fort Carson and my mom decided we were going to spend a few weeks with Nan since we hardly got to see her when we lived overseas."

"It's amazing how you can do that."

"Do what?"

"Track your age based on what military base you were living on at the time."

"I don't do that, do I?"

"Kind of a lot, yeah."

"Oh, I didn't realize…it's the easiest way to track time for me. Easier than trying to remember what grade I was in." She studied the photograph, trying to put herself back into that time and place. She was so innocent and happy. She had a real family.

"Should I not have given you the picture," he asked after she didn't say anything for a while. "Or at least waited until we were back home? The last thing I wanted was to make you sad on our vacation."

"You didn't," she insisted. "You didn't. It's…this feels like another lifetime ago, but it's a happy memory. I'm glad to have it. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Angela looked at the picture for another minute or two before placing it back into the glasses case. "So, tell me about where we're staying. You said the guy that owns the hotel is-"

"Ooh, don't let Pete hear you call it a hotel, motel, or anything else. It's a lodge."

"Okay, whatever. Anyway, you said he's an old friend of your dad's?"

"They were real close, still are. My dad calls him the brother he never had. Pete's my godfather. He and my dad go way back and were in the Navy together. They used to talk about what they'd do when they retired: retreat to the mountains and hunt, fish, camp, and hike. When he was discharged, Pete decided life was too short to wait for retirement and found a way to make money and be in the mountains."

"It's nice that he's been able to live out his dream. Most people aren't able to do that."

"To be honest, I think my dad was always jealous of him, that Pete found a way to make it work while he was stuck dealing with produce for so long. But I think it's better now that he has the wilderness store. He's a lot happier. That's good. I'm glad for him. He spent too much time stuck in a job he couldn't stand just to support us. He probably could've afforded to take a risk sooner, but he was scared."

"Maybe that's why he's so hard on you. He doesn't want you to end up stuck doing something you think you have to do instead of following your passions and doing what you want."

"Yeah. I wish he was a little nicer about it sometimes." Eric made the turn onto the main road into town. It always amazed him how little things had changed since he was a kid. Sure, there was the occasional new storefront or roadside diner, but otherwise, it was the same. "I figured tonight we'd just get some food and hang out in the room and relax."

"Sounds good."

"We have to get up early tomorrow to get a head start on the trails. There's nothing worse than overcrowded hiking trails."

"I'll take your word for it."

"I thought about taking a short walk to look at the stars tonight, but-"

"Let me walk through the woods during the day before I try it a night."

He nodded, having assumed that would be her reaction.

"You can always go though. Don't let me stop you."

"Maybe another night. I want to take you to the spot where I've seen shooting stars. It would be fun to see one together."

"I'd love that."

/

"Eric!"

"Hey, Pete!" He got out of the car and greeted the older man with a smile. "The place looks great. Lots of renovations, huh?"

He nodded. "You could've seen it earlier, but someone hasn't found the time to visit since Labor Day weekend last year."

Shit, had it been that long since he came up here? "Sorry, but between school, work, and other things going on, I've been busy."

"I keep telling your dad he should come stay for more than just breakfast and a shower, but you know him, it's not-"

"-not camping unless I sleep outside," they finished in unison. "Yeah, that's dad. I'll talk to him. Or better yet, I'll talk to mom and she'll talk him into it."

"Yeah, that is how it goes with stubborn old guys like us. We need to be talked into good ideas." Pete grinned at Angela as she walked over to them. "I'm guessing you're the one who talks my godson into good ideas?"

"Oh, he doesn't do too badly on his own."

"You don't have to lie. He's known me my whole life."

"I'm not lying. I said you don't do too badly, didn't I," she joked.

"Funny," he said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Angela, this is Pete."

"Nice to meet you," she said.

"You, too. Eric's never brought a girl up here before. You must be pretty special."

"Please don't expect me to live up to a lot of hype. I promise you'll be disappointed the second you realize how little I know about the outdoors beyond sunblock, bug spray, and to always bring a map."

"Those are three of the most important things so you're already ahead of some of the morons who come up here fancying themselves as the next great adventurer."

"Had to send search parties out," Eric guessed.

"Why don't people bring a compass and tell a friend their plans?" Pete shook his head. "Anyway, I hope you didn't have dinner yet because Renee prepared a hearty feast."

"Yay! After my mom, she's the best cook."

/

"…and there he was, ready to swim with his pool floaties and nothing else, not even a bathing suit or shorts."

"Renee," Eric groaned. He knew the embarrassing stories would come out, but did it have to happen on night one?

Angela nearly doubled over laughing. "Why did you want to skinny dip?"

"I don't remember. I was two or three. I probably thought the lake was like a giant bathtub or something."

"No, you said," Renee continued, "and I quote, 'fishies no clothes, Eric no clothes.'"

This only made her laugh harder. "I love it. And considering how much you love to walk around in your boxers, you haven't changed much."

"Hey, jeans are for the outside world. The second the door closes it's all about comfort." He picked up the duffel bag she dropped and continued to follow Pete to their room. "Way to help me out here, Pete."

"Sorry, pal, but all I have to offer is when you insisted on fishing with gummy worms because the fish liked them better than regular worms."

"Oh, Angela, have Amy and Alan told you about the summer Eric spent pretending to be a zombie?"

"Renee, what did I do to you? Did I hurt you? If I did, I'm sorry."

"A zombie?"

"I want to say he was around six and he'd walk around groaning with his arms stretched forward and his head cocked to the side."

"Hey, Becca did it, too! We did it because it scared Cory and Molly and scaring them was always a fun time. Now how about-" He stopped talking when he realized they were headed upstairs. He didn't book a room upstairs. He couldn't afford one of the fancier rooms upstairs. "Pete, I think we're going the wrong way."

"I own the place. I think I know where I'm going."

"But I didn't reserve-"

"Like I'm not going to give my godson a family discount on one of my best rooms?"

"Considering my dad always jokes about how cheap you are-"

"Hey, we're both cheap," he said, pointing a finger at Eric. "But I had someone cancel just a few hours before check-in so consider this your free upgrade to the Wild Waters room."

"Pete, I can't-"

"You can and you will."

Eric knew he would lose any argument he put up, so he folded. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

"It's no problem." He unlocked the door and led the way into the room. "Here we go the Wild Waters, not a huge room, but I like to think the amenities are pretty good."

Angela stepped inside and looked around. "It's beautiful."

"You've got a king-sized bed, air-conditioning, TV in the cabinet, and a fireplace. The bathroom is right through there, and you have a kitchenette…well, half a kitchenette with a coffee maker and refrigerator already stocked with water, iced tea, Gatorade, yogurt, and fruit."

"Fancy," Eric noted.

"Don't mock. I didn't even show you the private deck we added on, hot tub included."

"There's a hot tub?"

"Right through that door."

They raced across the room and looked outside. "I'm guessing you've had some good years to be able to do all this."

"Mostly good."

"We'll get out of your way so you can settle in. There will be a basket of cinnamon rolls and a variety of muffins outside your door tomorrow morning."

"Renee, you're the best."

"Don't be too flattered, we put some out for everyone."

"Peter!" She lightly hit her husband's arm. "You're terrible. And misleading. Not everyone gets the cinnamon rolls."

Once they were alone, Angela and Eric decided to stay on the balcony for a few minutes to enjoy the evening air. "Wow, look at that sunset," she remarked. "It's gorgeous."

He pulled her into his lap and held her close. "Yeah."

"That's one thing I've always wondered about, you know? Sunsets."

"What about them?"

"Why are they so much more colorful than sunrises? Don't get me wrong, I've seen the occasional breathtaking sunrise, but sunsets are usually so much better."

"For one thing sunsets have the decency to happen at a normal hour so, of course, they're going to seem prettier. Like, why do sunrises have to happen at the ass crack of dawn?"

"Isn't it the sun rising that makes it dawn?"

"Shh, don't ruin my story with facts."

"Sorry."

"If you want to keep it boring and factual: you just have to think about why the sky is blue and that pretty much explains sunsets."

Angela was quiet, waiting for him to elaborate, but he didn't. "I'm going to need more here."

"When the sun reaches the earth, it's scattered by all the gases and crap in the air. Blue light travels in shorter, small waves than other colors. That's why most of the time the sky is blue to us."

"So, it depends on the different gases and color waves?"

"Pollution can play a role, too. There's more dirt and dust in the air in the evening and that can warp the color waves."

"All right, I never want to hear you call yourself stupid again. You just summarized why the sky is blue, sunrises, and sunsets. A stupid person could not do that."

"Anyone who's taken an earth science class could do that."

She raised her hand. "Sophomore year of high school, got a B."

"Can we not talk about school and grades right now? I want to salvage what little we have left of the summer."

"Sure. But I am taking some kind of earth science class next year. I have to keep up with you somehow."

"Take geology," he suggested. "I loved my geology class. I wish I had gotten interested in it sooner."

"It's never too late to discover a new passion." They were quiet again, watching as the sun disappeared behind the trees and mountains.

"Is it weird to say this feels a little strange now that we're finally here," he admitted after a while.

"How do you mean?"

"Normally if I was in a room like this, mom and dad would get the bed, Morgan would get the couch, and Cory and I would fight over would get a rollaway bed and who got stuck in a sleeping bag on the floor."

"Who would win?"

"Usually Cory."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Only because he'd whine to mom and dad about losing when I'd beat the crap out of him. The joke was on him though. I'd crawl under the bed in the middle of the night and make him think there were bugs or mice or that the room was haunted."

"Very mature."

"Again, I've never claimed to be mature."

Angela sank back against his chest and relaxed in his arms, a feeling of peace washing over her. "It's quiet."

"I know. Isn't it great?"

"It's almost too quiet. I hope I'm able to sleep tonight."

"We can leave the radio or TV on if you want. It makes no difference to me. Or…you know…I'm sure we could think of something to do that would help you relax," Eric said as he kissed his way down the side of her neck.

She tilted her head, more than happy to indulge in his kisses and let the rest of the world fade away.

"How about we-"

There was a loud, screeching noise in the distance that practically made her jump out of her skin. Angela didn't know if it belonged to a creature with fur or feathers and she didn't care to find out. "I'm going to unpack."

He let her go and watched as she practically ran into the room. "You don't have to be scared," he said, trailing close behind. "No animals can get to us in here. Even if they could, they'd have to get past me first and I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

"I'm not afraid," she fired back, clearly lying.

"Just really excited about unpacking, huh?"

"I'll be able to relax once it's done."

"Okay." Eric followed her lead and hauled his bag onto the bed and opened it. "What—did you repack my suitcase?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"During one of your trips out to the car with the other luggage."

"Why?"

"Because the way you had it wasn't efficient at all. You complained that you could hardly zip it shut before."

He stared at his open suitcase in awe. "Wow, you made it look all neat and everything. Nothing's wrinkled!"

She smiled. "Consider that one perk of the nomadic, military brat lifestyle. I can expertly pack a bag in record time."

"Save that for the special skills and talents section on your resume."

"Which drawers do you want?"

"Literally don't care."

"This doesn't feel real yet," Angela said a few minutes later when they were nearly finished. "Me and you, no interruptions for two whole weeks…part of me still can't believe it. I thought we'd never get here."

"I know."

"The sad part is before we know it, it'll be time to head back home."

"Then I guess we have to make the most of these two weeks."

"Yeah. Is there a lake up here to swim, because I didn't see any place on the drive." When he didn't answer Angela looked at him and saw he was fixated on her bathing suit. She rolled her eyes. "Really?"

"What?"

"You've seen me in my underwear, hell, you've seen me naked multiple times, but catching a glimpse of a bikini in my suitcase renders you speechless?" She held up the yellow and white bikini top. "I don't get it."

"I'm picturing you in it…and out of it…but mostly in it."

She took a black one-piece out of her bag and tossed it at him. "You're pathetic."

"Isn't it a compliment that you don't even have to be in the bathing suit for me to already know you'll take my breath away?"

"So pathetic."

"But to answer your question, yeah, there's lakes, waterfalls…a whole bunch of secluded little places to swim." He'd wait to tell her about his surprise of a few days spent on the beach. She was trying something new and hiking for him. The least he could do was include something she'd enjoy, a few days soaking up the sun and sand. Sure, they'd be staying with Grandma Bernice in her condo, but beggars couldn't be choosers.

"What's that," she asked, pointing to the object in his hand. "I meant to ask about it when I saw it in your bag. Are you planning to plant a tree during the hike?"

"I suppose that's one way to put it," he said with a chuckle.

"Huh?"

"It's for when we need to…well, you know… there are no porta potties to answer nature's call."

She stared at him, horrified. "You mean that's…"

"Yep. When you gotta go, you dig a hole."

"Oh, you'd better be kidding me."

"No."

"Eric…"

"Didn't you read the beginner's guide to hiking book I got for you? They covered this."

"I skipped that part."

"A trowel is an essential tool in the woods, just as important as hiking boots and a compass."

"I can't believe you're just springing this on me now."

"I gave you the book!"

"Why did you let me eat that big dinner if you knew the trowel was coming?"

"Let you? Since when does one of us have the power to let the other do anything? That's not us."

Angela shook her head. "I'm not eating or drinking anything else until after the hike tomorrow."

"Great plan. How do you want to be removed from the path when dehydration and heat exhaustion get you? Should I call park rangers, get 911 to bring you down in a chopper, or toss you over my shoulder and just carry you down myself?" She glared at him. "If it makes you feel better when the time comes, I'll dig your hole for you."

"That's the most disgusting thing I've ever heard."

"Really? Because it's easily the most romantic thing I've ever said."

"I'm going to tell my dad on you."

"He's been in the army for years, in warzones even. I'm sure he's done this with and without a trowel."

"I hate you."

"You love me."

"Fine," Angela grumbled, "but you're not my favorite person at the moment."

"I can live with that."

/

/

"Are you kidding me? No! If you wear that to the party, I'm going to pretend I don't know you."

"What's wrong with the red polo? I like the red polo. I look good in the red polo." Cory looked in the mirror. "At least Topanga always told me I looked good in the red polo. Sure, red is her favorite color so maybe she's a little biased, but her opinion should count for something."

"It makes you look like you work at Target."

"Have you been inside of one lately? They have everything you could want in one building."

Shawn ran a hand through his hair, exasperated. "You look like the dad who came to bust up the party."

"Well, that's just mean!" He studied his reflection. "I really look like my dad?"

"No."

"Thanks."

"Your dad would wear a T-shirt or flannel when busting up a loud party."

"Very funny."

He went over to his friend's closet and examined its contents. "Wow, do you have anything that doesn't make you look like the group dad? You used to have jerseys or sports T-shirts."

"You never cared about my clothes before. Why is this party so different?"

"Because you've been moping all summer and you deserve to have some fun."

"And a polo shirt means no fun?"

"Will Eric care if you raid his closet? He should have a band t-shirt or something you can borrow."

"Oh, I haven't gone anywhere near his room ever since I walked in on him and Angela when they were right in the middle of-" He stopped talking when Shawn glared at him. "I mean I guess I can take a look."

"Great." He checked the time. "I need to get to work. "Are you riding to the party with Jack or do you want me to pick you up?"

"I figured we were riding together."

"Okay. I'll pick you up around eight."

Cory nodded and followed his best friend to the living room. "It still feels wrong, you know? I shouldn't be going to a party and trying to have fun while Topanga is still miserable."

"I don't know what to tell you."

"I don't know what I want to hear, Shawnie."

"I'm sure Topanga doesn't want you sitting around being miserable, but if the party sucks, we'll cut out after an hour or two and get pizza, maybe see a movie."

"Can't we just do that instead?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I'm worried about you."

"You're worried about me?! Please," Cory scoffed. "Why would you have any reason to be worried about me?"

"I'm not going back to college in Fall."

"I remember. I still think it's a big mistake, but I remember."

"We're still going to hang out and do stuff all the time, but I can't do the college stuff with you anymore."

"What are you getting at?"

"I don't want you to…to not do the college scene just because I'm not there."

"You mean you're not going to sneak into all the parties?"

"I'll crash some of them, but it's not going to be the same. Things are going to change, Cor."

"No, they're not. You're working, sure, but it'll be like you're taking classes on campus across town."

"You're going to be rooming with someone else."

Cory stared at the floor. He'd wanted to stay in the apartment with Eric and Jack, but his parents refused to pay his rent on top of tuition and other expenses. If he wanted the apartment, he'd have to keep working in addition to going to school. He didn't know if he'd be able to manage classes, a job, and trying to make his short film- that's he's done next to no work on- all at once. For the first time in a long time, mom and dad uttered the words, 'try to be more like Eric.' More like Eric? He hasn't wanted to be his brother since starting high school. Still, he had worked two jobs and took a full course load his entire junior year and it seemed his senior year was going to be the same way. Aside from the summer school hiccup he'd managed it well. "I don't want to think about that right now."

"I'm just saying that I don't want you to miss out because I'm doing my own thing and finding my path."

"Finding your path?" He sighed. "Nebula got to you, too, huh?"

"No one got to me. We just talked while waiting for you and Topanga."

"But one conversation with her and you're off looking for a path now?"

"Cor, come on, I've been looking for a path for a while now. We all have. That's what happens after high school."

"Can you answer one thing for me though?"

"I'll try."

"How come everyone's paths seem to be taking them away from me?"

"What?"

"You quit school, Topanga's acting like she's quit us...is there a point where the universe will correct itself and all paths will lead back to Cory?"

Shawn made a face. "Are you calling yourself the center of the universe or something, like the sun?"

"Well dramatic things do tend to gravitate towards me, good and bad. Not that I'm calling you dramatic, Shawnie…well, you are…I mean the things that happen to you are, but most of it isn't your fault."

He had no way to respond to that, so he simply said, "I'll be back to pick you up at eight."

/

/

"Do you need to take a break?"

Angela almost said no, pride nearly getting the better of her, but she realized she wouldn't be doing anyone any favors by lying. "Maybe a short one." They'd been hiking for a few hours now and, while she was getting tired, it's been a nice change of pace. "I could use a snack."

"Yeah, it has been a while since we stopped for lunch. There are some boulders over there," Eric said, pointing several yards ahead of them. "We'll sit there and rest for a while." He helped her get her pack off before sitting beside her. "Do you need a water bottle?"

"Not now. The hydration backpacks are great. Whoever came up with them is a genius."

"I know. They were a big game changer when they came out. No more carrying ten water bottles. You just need a few extra." He dug into his pack and took out a granola bar and cheese stick. "Are you having fun? And be honest," he added. "I'll be okay if the answer is no."

"I am."

"You don't have to-"

"No, really. Don't get me wrong, it's not something I ever would've decided to do on my own, but I am enjoying myself. It hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought it would be."

"Really?"

"Really. Plus you can't beat the scenery. It's gorgeous out here." She doubted she would ever become a full-on outdoor enthusiast, but she loved watching Eric out here. He was in his element and didn't seem to have a care in the world as he pointed out different trees and landmarks, remising about previous camping trips with his family. He made her laugh when she was startled by a toad landing on her boot when they crossed a stream and he pretended to charge after it with a stick to "defend her honor." Who else would do that? "However, when we get back to the room, I think I need a shower, nap, time in the hot tub, and a full body massage."

"I'm game," he responded with a smile, "in whatever order you want to do those things."

"Good, because guess who's giving me the massage?"

"It might take me a few minutes to track down that toad, but-" He caught the banana peel she tossed his way. "Just kidding. Two hands, no waiting."

She stood and stretched after she finished her snack. "We should probably keep moving."

"If you're not too tired, I figured we'd hike another hour or two before turning back. This way we can get to the western edge of The Gorge."

"Sure."

"We can either keep on this trail and it'll be about two hours or we can go off a bit to this other, shorter trail that has more uneven terrain, but it's really pretty with a bunch of waterfalls. I'm fine with whatever you want to do. I don't want you to push yourself on your first hike."

"Waterfalls would be nice. We didn't bring our bathing suits though."

He grinned. "That just gives us something to look forward to later."

"Fancy talk coming from the guy whose swim trunks are covered in balloon animals."

"Hey! You said they were fun."

"They are. Not many guys could pull off balloon animal swimwear, but you are one of the few." She snapped her fingers, something coming to mind. "Oh, sunblock."

"What about it?"

"Didn't you say every time we rest we should reapply?"

"Right."

"Where is it?"

"I think I put it in one of the front pockets of my pack."

Angela opened one of the pockets, but instead of finding the sunblock, she came up with an envelope instead. It was from the college. She wasn't blind. She saw him sneak something into his bag right before they left. And this morning when she woke up he was on the balcony, holding what looked like an envelope in his hand. He shoved it into his pocket when he realized she was awake. Was this the same one? "What is this?"

"What's what," he asked, only half paying attention while he gathered their garbage.

"This envelope."

"Oh, it's just junk mail."

"Your address isn't even on it, just Pennbrook's return address. The only thing written on here is your name."

"Then it's a post office miracle it got to me. Come on, let's lather up to protect from the harsh rays of-," He tried to take the envelope from her, but she pulled back. "Hey-"

"Eric?"

"Angela, no. Can we drop it for now? Please?"

"Is it bad?"

"I don't know."

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. "You don't know? I don't understand."

"It's my grades, okay," he exclaimed, realizing how loud he was when a flock of birds scattered from a nearby tree.

"Oh, your grades. I-I didn't realize you'd get them back so soon."

"Dean Bolander thought she'd be nice and asked the professors to put a rush on my grades so I could know right away."

"And you don't think it was a nice gesture?"

"No, because now I have the cloud of my potential failure hanging over our vacation." He walked away from her and went to a small clearing between the trees.

Angela put the envelope back in the front pocket before walking over to him. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her cheek into his back. "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to push you. But you know there's only one way to stop being afraid of what's in that envelope, right?"

"Not yet."

"Okay."

/

/

"Can we go now?" Cory tapped Shawn on the shoulder, only to be ignored for the pretty girl his friend was currently talking to. "Shawnie?"

"Excuse me, Abby, there's an annoying mosquito in my ear. I'm going to take care of it."

She smiled at him. "Hurry back."

"Oh, I plan on it." He shoved Cory to a less crowded part of the roof. "Your problem, two minutes: go."

"You said we could leave if the party was lame and I want to go."

Shawn looked around and wondered what Cory's definition of lame was. "Cor, this party kicks ass. There's girls, great music, good food, girls, dancing, the weather's perfect, and, oh yeah, did I mention the girls?"

"The music's a little loud, the food can't be good for much longer in this heat, speaking of heat it's way too hot, there are way too many people up here it's got to be a fire hazard. And sure, the girls are pretty, but what do I need with pretty girls? I have a fiancée."

"She sent you back the ring."

"Great, so you don't believe in me and Topanga anymore either?!"

"Cory, I…" He exhaled. "…of course, I think you guys are meant to be together. But I just want to have some fun for once. That's all. We deserve some fun."

"But Topanga-"

"Topanga would be the first to tell you to not live by the phone. You're at a party with me and Jack and fifty to sixty of your potential classmates next semester." Shawn spun him around and pointed him in the direction of the refreshment table. "Go grab some soda and mingle." He smiled and winked at Abby. "If you don't mind, I've got some more mingling to do of my own."

"Shawnie, I-" It was too late. He was already back to the girl, talking and flirting like he was in high school again- prime Shawn Hunter mode. Cory realized he was stuck at this party until his friends were ready to leave. He could either sit alone and be miserable or he could do what Shawn said and-

"Hi."

He spun around and found himself face to face with a girl, a rather pretty girl. He'd noticed her earlier, talking to Boudicca and then sitting alone. He didn't want to notice her, but…well…"Hi."

"Are you enjoying the party?"

"Oh, yeah. Yeah, it's great. You?"

"Not really. My cousin dragged me here to meet friends since I'm transferring to Pennbrook, so-"

"Your cousin?"

"Boudicca," she said, gesturing to the far side of the roof. "She's the one with the crazy hair, attached to that guy's face."

He chuckled. "That guy she's attached to is my roommate."

"Oh. Small world."

Cory couldn't help but notice that her hair was a few shades lighter than Topanga's and her eyes, however, her eyes were dark brown. Topanga's were blue. It was different, but not bad different.

"Hello?" She waved her hand in front of his face. "Earth to the guy I just met."

He shook his head. "What?"

"Are you okay? You totally blanked out on me."

"Yeah, sorry. It's hot out here."

"You want to get something to drink?" She looked away for a moment, shyness getting the better of her. "Maybe talk a little?"

Cory looked around the roof. Jack was dancing with Boudicca and talking with whoever was around and Shawn had stopped talking to what'shername and they were now up against the chimney, making out. He'd talk to this girl. What's the worst that could happen? "Sure."

She smiled. "Great. Just one thing."

"What's that?"

"What's your name?"

"Cory."

"Hi, Cory, I'm Paulina, but you can call me Lina."

"Lina," he repeated. "That's pretty."

"Thanks, try explaining that to my mother who is heartbroken I don't go by my full name. But enough of that. How about that drink?"

"You lead the way."