I shake my head to clear it and shove Eric's taunts out of my mind. I'm going to do this, but only for Zeke. I hurry up and change, then check my alarm clock. Six fifty. I head out of the dorm, and nearly bump into Cassandra.

"Sorry, it's my-" I look at her, and stop dead in my tracks. She's wearing a very short skirt, and a low-cut blouse, accompanied by the same gray crucifix dangling from a small chain around her neck. I can't help but stare. "Like what you see, don't you?" Lauren smirks at me, and Cassandra elbows her. "Just saying. Did you know I considered transferring to Candor a few years ago?"

Cassandra rolls her eyes at me. She's close enough that only I can hear her next words. "She should have." I stifle a laugh. "So, guys, we're thinking of initiating you Zekauren style." Cassandra appears behind me and puts an arm on my shoulder. "Zekauren? Is that even a word?"

Zeke grins. "It is to me." He walks over to Lauren and grabs her hand. "Shall we go?" They lead the way and walk ahead of us. I glance at Cassandra and blush.

"No worries, you don't have to hold my hand or anything. Loosen up, would you?" She gives me a small smile. "I don't bite. I promise."

She starts jogging to catch up with them, and I hurry to keep up with her.