"Hey, Opal," a familiar voice said. I smiled over my shoulder at Nathaniel who was just a few steps behind me.

"Hey, Nathaniel. How have things been going? I feel like I haven't talked to you in a while," I remarked while waiting outside of the classroom for the few seconds it took for Nathaniel to catch up.

"Yah, everything with the talent show had us both pretty busy it seems," Nathaniel agreed with an understanding smile. 

We walked into class together and I was surprised to see that Melody wasn't there. She normally seemed to beat Nathaniel and me to class.

"Have things calmed down for you since the secretary came back to school?" I asked and Nathaniel chuckled, setting his books down on his desk.

"In some ways, I guess. She offers to take me out to lunch at least once a week because she feels bad for having me take over for her," he said with an awkward smile and I laughed.

"Adults must really like you since you are so responsible. Where do you think you get that from?" I asked with interest, taking my seat next to his and he shrugged.

"I've always been more serious than people my age. My dad runs his own business and has had me work with him the last few summers to teach me the ropes. I think he hopes I'll follow his footsteps and be a take over the business someday," Nathaniel said with a small smile which I echoed.

"Do you and your dad have a good relationship?" I asked, mentally shoving aside memories of my own father that tried to make an appearance.

"I would say so. He spoils Amber like crazy, but when he praises me I know he's sincere, so I'm okay with it," Nathaniel said with a shrug.

I let out a thoughtful hmmmm sound, leaning my elbow on the desk and cupping my chin in my hand as I let my mind wander slightly. Over the years I had read a lot of books that depicted parents in many different ways. I wondered how mothers and fathers decided on their parenting style or if it was something instinctive that depended on the child and their circumstances.

"Hey, Nathaniel. Hi, Opal," Melody greeted while taking the open desk on Nathaniel's right. 

"Afternoon," Nathaniel responded and I smile over at her easily.

The teacher came in and I put thoughts of parents out of my mind and got ready to take notes. At the end of the period, I closed my notebook after making a notation in the side margin about a section I wanted to research further during my bus ride to Feel Da Beat.   

"So, are you going to the basketball tournament as well, Nathaniel?" I heard Melody ask as she stood next to his desk, waiting for him to pick up his things.

"No, I have a couple projects I am planning to work on over the weekend. I'm surprised you're going, Melody," Nathaniel said and Melody bit her lip fretfully.     

"Oh... actually I'm not going. I have a date with David this weekend. Do you think Rosa will forgive me eventually, Opal?" Melody asked as she looked over at me. I blinked up at her but then gave a bright smile as I stood up from my seat. 

"I think Rosa just got the idea of a girl's trip in her head. I'm sure there will be another opportunity for us all to hang out! It's important to follow through with the commitments you've already made," I said, hoping that my advise was soothing. Thankfully Melody did seem to relax and she gave me a shy smile. 

"You're going to the tournament, Opal?" Nathaniel asked as all three of us left the classroom.

"Yes, I am. I'm really excited to watch the boys play!" I replied happily. "Although I am going to have to work really hard to get all of my homework done early," I muttered to myself and Nathaniel nodded.

"I can imagine. Better be careful, I may snatch the valedictorian spot back from you if you let your attention be divided," Nathaniel warned with fake seriousness and I laughed as we climbed the stairs together. 

I waved goodbye to Nathaniel and Melody as I entered my economics class moments later and smiled as Rosalya waved wildly at me.

"Have you asked Violette and Kim yet?" she asked as I set my things down and I chuckled while shaking my head.

"I have a class with them next period, Rosalya. I'll text you as soon as I know if they can come," I promised. 

Lysander glanced up at me with his beautiful mismatched eyes and I swallowed past a lump in my throat. It was still hard for me to act natural around Lysander, but I was grateful that he really did seem to want to stay friends.

"You'll be going to the tournament, Kate?" Lysander asked. I nodded my agreement silently, grateful when Rosalya immediately jumped into the conversation. She began energetically explaining her plan to find inspiration for some new costumes.

The class went by quickly and I tried to keep my awkwardness from showing as Lysander walked with me down the stairs. I was amazed at how completely natural he was acting and felt both gratitude and a new sense of guilt as I waved at him when I stopped to drop my books off at my locker, switching them out for my art notebook.

"'Sup, Opal!" Kim called as I walked into the classroom. 

"Hi, Kim! Hello, Violette. How are you doing?"

"Great. Your dance was legit! I didn't know you could do a backflip!" Kim exclaimed with an impressed smile and I blushed.

"To be honest that wasn't part of the choreography. I threw my hat too far back so I had to try and follow it," I admitted and Violette's eyes widened in surprise.

"That wasn't planned?" she asked in awe. I chuckled and shook my head. 

"Not at all, but I'm glad you couldn't tell it was a mistake," I said honestly and she smiled quietly at me. "Actually, I wanted to ask you two something."

"What's up?" Kim asked, leaning her chair slightly onto the back two legs as she gave me an open smile.

"Rosalya, Iris, and I want to go to the basketball tournament but we have to pay for our own hotel room. So we thought it would be fun if you two wanted to come with us and we can all split the cost of a hotel room. Would you like to?" I asked. 

Instantly Kim nodded at the same time that Violette shook her head and I couldn't help but laugh softly.

"I'm always down for watching sweaty, muscular boys running up and down a gym court," Kim stated with a suggestive look and I laughed harder while Violette blushed.

"I don't really like sports, but if you have another sleepover I would be happy to come to that," Violette said quietly and I smiled at her.

"Sure! Maybe next time just you and Kim can come over and we can do something fun together," I suggested and Kim gave the "rock on" sign to show her agreement to the plan.

"When will the bus leave for the tournament?" Kim asked. 

I opened my mouth to say I didn't know when Mr. Faraise walked in and immediately launched into his explanation of our latest project. The class flew by and I traded numbers with both Kim and Violette before leaving the classroom and heading to my locker.

"Opal!" I smiled and turned toward the familiar voice. 

Alexy was jogging down the hall to catch up to me, leaving Armin behind. As usual, he was already playing on his portable gaming device while walking down the hall completely oblivious to the other students in the hall.

"How was your day, Alexy?" I asked as he linked one of his arms through mine.

"I was asked if I was dating anyone in almost every one of my classes. It was super funny," Alexy said with amusement and chuckled.

"You are going to leave a lot of broken hearts behind you," I observed and he smiled broadly down at me.

"What about you? You didn't get any love confessions from your talent show performance?" he asked and I snorted derisively.

"Of course not. But Rosalya and I are making plans to go to the basketball tournament this weekend. Do you think you and Armin will want to come?" I asked and Alexy frowned.

"I would love to, but I spent all my money shopping for my costumes so I'm broke. You'll have to cheer on the Basketball Bros for me," Alexy said with a world-weary sigh. I chuckled at his dramaticism, patting his arm that was still linked with mine consolingly.

We parted ways to go to our lockers and I shook my head as I watched the twins walk away. After changing into my jacket and mittens and loading my backpack with the textbooks I would need to do my homework that evening I made my way to the entrance doors to wait for Alexy and Armin.

"Opal!" Blinking in surprise I turned to see Kentin walking up to me, carrying his backpack with one strap over his shoulder.

"Hi, Kentin," I said with an easy smile.

"Your dance was amazing at the talent show! And you have a really pretty voice," Kentin exclaimed exuberantly. I blinked but then blushed slightly.

"Thank you. I had a lot of fun," I replied honestly. He smiled, glancing towards the doors briefly before meeting my eyes again.

"I'm sorry I haven't been eating lunch with you lately. I made some new friends recently and I've been hanging out with them a lot. I haven't forgotten about you though!" Kentin said in a rush but I couldn't hold back a huge grin. 

"Have you really? I'm so happy to hear that Kentin!! Are you enjoying school more now?" I asked enthusiastically. Kentin blinked in surprise at my enthusiasm but he let out an easy laugh and he nodded firmly. 

"Yah. You were right, Opal. I just need to focus on the now and let go what happened in the past. I'll do my best to live life to the fullest," he said while giving me a thumbs up. 

I beamed up at him, truly relieved to see that he was doing so much better and that he hadn't let his need for revenge twist him.

"I'd like to talk to you long, but my dad is waiting for me so I'm going to head out now. Are you waiting for someone?" Kentin asked and I nodded.

"I normally walk home with Alexy and Armin," I explained. Kentin's face blanched as he looked behind him quickly.

"I don't get why you are so close with those two. Alexy is constantly getting on my case about my fashion or whatnot. He drives me insane!" he said with a loud huff. 

I blinked in surprise at this, wondering if Alexy was teasing him because of his fashion or out of a desire to get closer to him.  

"Alexy can be pretty blunt when it comes to fashion," I agreed with a chuckle. "But he is a really really nice person. He reminds me of my auntie and I have a lot of fun with all of his crazy schemes that he comes up with," I said with a genuine smile. Suddenly arms wrapped around my shoulder and I squeaked as I found myself being enveloped in a fierce hug while Alexy rubbed his cheek against mine. 

"Awwwwwwwww. Opal, you are the cutest thing ever! This is why we're best friends!" Alexy exclaimed joyfully as he continued to snuggle against me. 

I looked up at him in shock, repeating the term "best friends" in my head several times. Honestly, I never thought I would have the experience of having a best friend and I was amazed at how euphoric I felt at Alexy using that phrase to describe us. 

"Geh," Kentin gulped, immediately taking a step back from Alexy but he was looking at me uncertainly. I met his gaze and I couldn't help but smile as I rested my hands on Alexy's forearms. 

"That's right, we're best friends," I said in a slight daze. Remembering why Kentin was not a fan of Alexy though, I elbowed him slightly in his abs and he grunted before looking down at me. "Please don't tease Kentin too much about his clothes, Alexy. The most important thing is that he feels happy and comfortable in his clothes. If you want a guinea pig to experiment with then you've already got me." 

Alexy glanced over at Kentin and I could see a teasing gleam immediately enter his eyes. Kentin watched him warily but Alexy gave a sigh before giving me a final squeeze and letting me go. 

"I guess if that's what my bestie says then I'll try not to make unnecessary comments," he said with a magnanimous shrug. 

Kentin narrowed his eyes at Alexy, obviously not believing him. He said a quick goodbye to us though before making a beeline for the door. Biting back a laugh I shook my head and Alexy immediately began to tell me all about his day. We made our way through the crisp wind towards our neighborhood. I spent my short break between school and dance lessons doing homework and fixing myself some shrimp-flavored ramen noodles.

My lesson with Shin Woo exhausted me and I had to battle my eyes to stay open as I tried to read my bio textbook on the jittering ride home. When my stop finally came I gratefully stepped off the bus and walked the short distance to the apartment. The heavenly scent of pizza greeted me as I opened the door and I inhaled deeply.

"Close the door, please, sweetheart!" Auntie called from the kitchen and I smiled, stepping into the apartment and shutting the door behind me.

"How was your day, Auntie?" I asked, shucking off my coat and hanging it in the closet next to the front door.

"Frustrating, but I don't want to even think about it," Auntie grumbled with annoyance written all over her face as she came over and wrapped me in a hug. "How was your day? How did things go with Lysander?"

"Lysander said he wanted me to continue treating him like normal, which almost made me feel more guilty," I said with a sigh, feeling myself melt into the familiar embrace and enjoying the smell of Auntie's perfume that always reminded me of honeysuckle. "But I actually need to ask you about a couple of things for this weekend."

"Oh? Come ask me while we eat, I'm starving," she said with a grin as she gave me one final squeeze. 

I followed her into the kitchen where she grabbed a slice of our customary mushroom and bacon deep dish pizza before plopping down unceremoniously onto the counter. I watched her take a happy bite before selecting a piece for myself and sitting on the island next to the pizza so I could face her. 

"So, first of all, on Friday and Saturday, there is a basketball tournament in a neighboring city where all of the high school varsity basketball teams compete against each other. Rosa, Iris, me, and Kim all really want to go but if we do we have to pay for our own hotel. So we were thinking of getting a room altogether to share the cost. Would that be okay?" I asked. 

Auntie quickly swallowed her bite of pizza before grinning broadly at me.

"That sounds like so much fun! Of course, you should go! You have the card I gave you right?" she asked me and I nodded, thinking of the lone debit card in my wallet that I could remember using only once or twice before now. "How will you be getting to the tournament and back?" Auntie asked curiously.

I hurriedly chewed the larger than normal bite I'd just taken from my cheesy pizza.

"Apparently there is a bus that will take all of the students that want to go and support our team," I explained after swallowing and Auntie nodded with a relieved smile.

"To be honest this is great timing. We have a big conference that we are planning right now. My boss has been flipping out every two seconds about it needing to be perfect since some important executives are coming to it. He wants me to make sure that everything goes smoothly, which is NOT in my job description...." Auntie made an annoyed face and I frowned sympathetically but she sighed and waved her hand as if to try and banish her annoyance. "So anyway, I am going to be super busy the rest of the week and will have to go to work all Saturday. This way you will be having fun with your friends instead of being home alone. We can do something fun together on Sunday," Auntie said with a smile.

I gulped, looking at the kitchen floor in embarrassment as I recalled Castiel's invitation.

"Ummmm... Actually, that was the other thing I wanted to ask you about," I muttered, not looking up from the floor. "Castiel said he wanted me to help him pick out something with the prize money he got from the talent show this Sunday," I admitted quietly, glancing up and wincing as I saw the broad, mischievous smile that I'd been dreading.

"I seeeeeee," Auntie said exaggeratedly. I groaned, reaching out to gently kick her leg dangling off of the counter and she laughed delightedly. "Castiel sure is forward. This is the second date he's taken you on!" Auntie beamed and I rolled my eyes.

"He didn't call it a date, Auntie! He just doesn't know what he wants to get," I said awkwardly, although I still didn't really understand why I was going with him. "But I told him that we normally do something together on the weekend so I can just tell him I won't go..." I started to say and Auntie yelped indignantly.

"You will do no such thing! Obviously, you are going to go with him! We can hang out another weekend," Auntie declared firmly and I couldn't help but chuckle at her affronted expression.

We each finished another slice of the pizza before I excused myself to my room and began attacking my college statistics packet. It wasn't due until Friday, but I wanted to get it done and out of the way so I could focus on AP Lit, Bio, Psych and Government for the rest of the week.

I was starting to feel myself nod off when my phone buzzed loudly on my desk and I reached out to pick it up, surprised to see that it was already 10:30 pm. Taking a moment to stretch I turned back to my phone and clicked on the text from Rosa who was finally responding to my news that Kim was willing to go.

Too bad Violette can't come, but I'm excited Kim will! I'll book the hotel room tomorrow!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

I laughed at the abnormal amount of smiley face emoticons in the message and texted back a thumbs up to her. Giving in to my exhaustion I closed my college statistics packet, happy to see that I only had three more problems to work out. I quickly changed into my now familiar gold sweatpants and blank PJ shirt I had bought what seemed like an eternity ago for my sleepover. Once I was changed I turned off my lights and crawled into bed, feeling myself drift off to sleep before my head even hit the pillow.

A/N Kehehehe I am so sorry for those of you still in school, but as I am going through these chapters I am SO grateful that I have graduated XD :P