YA2:01 - Welcome Advancement

Featured songs from this episode are available for download. Just right click and choose 'Save Target As'.

Author�s Note: I originally published my episodes at the old Required Reading, before editing them and putting them on my own site. Now that RR is open again, I'm putting them back up there (and here) after a third revision. A lot of scenes are significantly altered, and if you�re interested in these differences there are more details in my LJ/progress journal. However, I've resigned myself to the fact that no amount of revision is going to save these earlier episodes from their inherent suckiness, so I apologise in advance. All episodes amended to British English, and the gang are in sophomore year. Revised episodes are in larger font, as will season 6 be when I start writing it, probably after I�ve revised the whole of season 2.

Season 2, episode 1. Revised version 2004. Read the commentary for changes to episodes 201-203 here.

Part One

Teaser

A bird skimmed over Rawley Lake, barely touching the surface and rippling the waters.

Not far away, on the opposite banks of the lake, the Rawley Boys' and Girls' Academies stood respectively, matching grey stone buildings with sprawling green grounds stretched out in all directions. This was the place to which the rich, the famous, and the gifted send their children, for them to while away the painfully frantic hours of their adolescent life, meaning to learn from school yet never learning much from the classroom.

But rest assured, they still learn much here. Love, friendship, betrayal, secrets...

The aforementioned children of the aforementioned people were, at this moment, slowly trickling back into the dorms after a summer away, ready for Fall Semester. Down the crowded halls of Rawley Boys' Academy, guys called to each other, ran up and down the stairs, tossed travel bags hither and thither, reclaiming old rooms and catching up with friends.

Speaking of old rooms, Will Krudski came charging out of his, which he shared with Scout Calhoun in the summer. "Oh my god!" he yelled at the top of his lungs, madly waving a piece of paper in his hand. Dashing past clusters of students milling out of the common room, he screeched to a halt in front of a mahogany door further down the hall. A wide grin plastered over his face, he was just about to knock when the door opened and Finn stepped out.

The English teacher was rugged and looking a bit of an artiste, as usual, with his semi-long hair and stubble. Will's sudden appearance made him start, but as the strawberry-blond boy lunged and wrapped Finn in a huge bear hug, the older man could not help smiling.

"Thank you so much!" Will exclaimed, gratitude spilling from his voice, "I didn't know what I was gonna do, I was just going to see Scout over here and leave, maybe enrol in Edmund High or something�" He pulled back from the hug, eyes sparkling, "I can't believe I got the scholarship back."

Finn laughed. "Don't thank me, go thank Dean Fleming. He was the one who fought tooth and nail on your behalf with the Board, and he won in the end."

"He�d do that for me?" Will wrinkled his brows, "I don't think I've even talked to the Dean."

Finn grinned at him, "Then I have a feeling you are going to, pretty soon. Your essay won the national competition."

Will blinked. "What?"

"That's right,� Finn smiled affectionately at the dumbfounded boy. �The essay you sent in the summer won the competition. National recognition and five hundred dollars coming your way, Will, not a bad way to start the semester."

�I can�t believe it,� murmured Will, meeting his mentor�s eyes. �This is� wow.�

�Well, you�d better believe it,� laughed Finn. �I�ve gotta go do some lesson planning. See you in class, Krudski. And�� he patted the boy on the shoulder, �well done.�

With a stupefied look on his face, Will waved goodbye to Finn. Turning and walking down the hall, he passed the common room again, and this time, he sauntered in and flopped down next to Scout, still wearing the same astounded expression. �You all right, man?� his roommate asked, eyeing him curiously.

�Yeah,� Will said, a small smile beginning to tug at the corners of his lips. �Yeah, I�m all right.�

*Will's voiceover starts*

'Moving forward. It's what this semester's going to be about. Summer Session was just a brief taste of the events to come - I've made friends here and we've done so much in the summer; discoveries had been made, secrets have come out into the open, everything that we knew had been subtly altered somehow. Maybe it's simply called growing up. All that I know for certain, in this time of change, new beginnings and advancement, is that I, Will Krudski, am right in the middle of it all.'

* * *
The Gas Station

"Okay, that�s fine, just sign here."

The man with the briefcase glanced impatiently at his watch. To him, the signing of papers was procedure, routine that had to be done, took time, and was not on the list of things that he held as exciting.

But to Bella and Charlie Banks, it meant everything. For the piece of paper that Charlie was signing was headed 'Transferral of Title Deed'.

"Great," the man with the briefcase snatched up the papers when Charlie was done. "The Title Deed for the gas station and its attached building has been legally transferred to the name of Charles Banks," he recited in a bored tone, clearly not giving much of a damn. "Under Clause Three, it also states that the property will be held on trust for Bella Banks and Grace Banks."

Bella closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them, they were bright with tears. "Oh, daddy," she whispered as she hugged Charlie tightly. "It's finally ours. And no one is ever going to take it away from us again."

* * *
Rawley Boys' Academy, dorms

Hamilton Fleming stared out over the campus from behind the zoom lens of his camera, forearms resting on the windowsill. He had been sitting there like that, in Jake Pratt's old room, for pretty much days on end, and he was starting to feel like an idiot. His eyes straying to a piece of computer printout that was lying by his elbow, he picked it up and read it for the umpteenth time. It was Jake's latest email.

Hi, only a few days to go, and I haven't heard anything from the school, so I assume I'm not expelled yet. I've almost made up my mind to just come back as a girl to the Girls' Academy, but nothing's final. I'll see ya when I see ya. Love, Jake.

He sighed and trained the camera on the girls' campus again, straining to catch a glimpse of that familiar head of dark hair and lean frame. Zeroing in on a tall girl in the distance, he felt his heart start to pick up pace. The girl�s hair was cropped short, and she was wearing a pink sundress that he thought he recognised. "Jake," he mouthed, as he stared intently at her making her way across campus.

He was so focused on trying to make out the features on the tiny figure that he nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice behind him suddenly said, a little dryly, "Checking out the Rawley babes?"

He turned, and there she was. Baggy pants, two layers of shirts, hair all spiky, and no pink dress in sight. She leaned against the doorframe, leather jacket strewn over one shoulder, a smile playing about her lips.

"There was, um, a girl�" he stuttered, thrown by her sudden appearance, "I thought she was you� never mind."

�Should I be worried?� she asked, a teasing glint in her eye.

He laughed. Looking her up and down, he raised an eyebrow. "So�"

"Yup, another semester of cross-dressing for me," she smiled sheepishly. "Call me a glutton for punishment, but I just feel more comfortable here. Isn't it weird?"

"Not at all," he grinned. "Anyway, I feel more comfortable with you here. Brings out my manly side."

She smiled again and walked forward, sinking into his embrace. "Welcome back, boy," he murmured.

"It's good to be home," she sighed as his lips brushed against hers.

Part Two

*opening credits and theme song*

The day dawned bright and sunny, echoing Summer Session, though the leaves were turning orange and red and blazing all sorts of brilliance against a bright blue sky.

Only one more day before classes began, and students were milling about campus in a state of apprehensive disorder. Latecomers, a few new entrants, not to mention general post-enrolment chaos. Will and Scout chose not to be crushed by the mob and opted for going into town instead. They were due to start back at work in the diner in a couple of days, and it was nice to have a little free time on their hands. "Hey Bella," they chorused as they neared the gas station.

"Hey guys!� she ran out to greet them. �How was St Martin?"

"It was fun," replied Scout as they sat down. �So what's up with the station? We are dying to know."

"Well�" she took a seat next to Will, drawing the word out. Toying with her fingers, she peeked up from her lashes, looking solemn.

"Oh, Bella, no," sighed Will. " I can't believe it. You didn't get the Deed?"

She turned her face downwards so that the boys couldn't see the smile that was threatening to break her act. �The thing is,� she said slowly, lapsing into silence.

"You still have to sell the station?" Scout widened his eyes incredulously. "Can't someone do something?"

�We don�t all have friends in high places,� said Bella disconsolately, hiding her grin behind her curtain of hair.

"God, I'm so sorry,� Will patted her on the shoulder, somewhat awkwardly. �If there's anything we could do�"

"Yeah, where are you going to live?" Scout couldn't help asking. �Sorry. I know it�s probably not what you want to think about right now��

She put her hands over her face, her shoulders shaking with silent laughter. Scout and Will glanced at each other, alarmed. �Bella,� Scout said hurriedly, �please don't cry, I'm sure everything will work out. You�ve gotta believe us. Maybe I could talk� talk to my dad or something��

Bella�s smile faded a little at those words. Unable to keep up the pretence, she dropped her hands and turned to the guys, seeing their jaws fall open at her beaming face. As the realisation sank in, Will whooped loudly, "My God, Bella, you got it! You got the Deed!"

"Why, you little�" Scout lunged at her, somehow turning a tackle into a hug midway through, "I can't believe you tricked us. You know how worried we were."

Will joined in the hug. "You tampered with our innocent minds," he pretended to whimper, his act tempered by the fact that he was grinning from ear to ear.

She struggled out of their grasp and playfully punched Will on the arm, "Yeah, that's called payback! I distinctly remember giving you orders not to disappear on me, and ten minutes later, you decide to hop on the next bus to the airport!"

Will smiled at Scout. "Well, I had an offer that was too good to refuse."

Scout raised an eyebrow at him, "Yeah, I seem to remember you refusing it plenty of times before."

Will grinned and shrugged, the sunlight catching his hair and picking out threads of red-gold. �So,� he turned back to Bella. �How did you get the deed? Did you have to�"

"Yeah," she replied with a frown, "I had to go back to Carson a couple of times, trying to reason with my mom. Let's just say it wasn't the most fun thing I did over the summer. Charlie went too, but she wouldn't even see him, let alone talk."

"But you wore her down in the end," said Will.

"In a manner of speaking," she said, a little subdued. "We had to go to court and fight it out." Laughed wryly, she shrugged. "Yeah, I have to say, that was my most exciting summer ever."

Scout glanced at her, opening his mouth and closing it again. �Um,� he said, clearing his throat, �so, uh, did you get to talk to your mom at all?�

The look on his face spoke much more than his words let on. Bella stared at him for a moment before glancing down, biting her lower lip. �No,� she said, after a lengthy pause.

�Oh,� Scout looked crestfallen. For a moment they sat there in silence, suddenly awkward; then he jumped to his feet. �Well,� he said brightly, �I still have some unpacking to do, so I'll see you guys later.�

�Bye,� Bella and Will waved, watching the other boy amble down the street. When Bella made sure he was out of earshot, she sighed, glancing at Will. �I did talk to her. My mom, I mean.�

He raised an eyebrow. �And?�

"He's not�" she looked down at her hands. "He's not my brother."

"Oh,� he said, slightly thrown. "So, uh, why didn't you say so?"

"I don't know,� she glanced at him again, her fingers absently worrying the edge of her button-down shirt. "I need some time to�" She stopped abruptly, then sighed again, "It's just� I had some other things to think about when you guys were gone."

He nodded quietly, urging her to go on.

She stared blankly into space, and it was a while before she spoke again. �You know, by the time I actually got around to asking my mom, I almost got over the fact that he was my brother, you know? I think I was almost okay with it. But then she told me we weren't related at all, that she never had an affair with Senator Calhoun, and she managed to turn my world upside down, again."

He gazed thoughtfully at her and proffered an arm, which she promptly leaned into with a grateful sigh. "There's the thing with Sean, too,� she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. �God, there's just too much to deal with, I don't need Scout breathing down my neck right now."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed," he promised. �Take your time.�

"Thank you," she whispered, staring up at the endless blue expanse of sky overhead. He watched her, and a small, wistful smile flickered at the corners of his lips, passing by unnoticed.

***
Rawley Boys' Academy, dorms

"Making up for lost time?" gasped Jake, nearly smothered in kisses. She leaned back against the headboard of her bed, wrapping her arms around Hamilton, tangling her fingers carelessly in his hair.

"You have no idea," he mumbled, too preoccupied to really talk. But a sudden knock sounded on the door and he sighed, rolling over onto the bed. �Great.�

"I bet that's Finn," she said apprehensively as she straightened herself up and went to open the door.

Hamilton sat back, biting his lip. In the excitement of seeing each other again, he had almost forgotten that Finn undoubtedly saw something very strange on the last day of Summer Session, and was unlikely to let it go without some sort of enquiry, maybe even an expulsion or two. With Hamilton�s dad being the Dean and all, he was pretty secure in staying right here. But Jake? That was a whole new story.

Sure enough, it was Finn at the door. "Mr. Pratt," he said gravely, "mind if I come in for a chat?"

Jake bit the inside of her cheek and pursed her lips, shrugging. As Finn made his way into the room, he caught sight of Hamilton sitting on the bed, looking expectant. �Mr. Fleming,� the teacher said, nodding in acknowledgement, �you're here too, I was hoping that would be the case. It's easier to talk to you both at the same time."

Jake blanched and sat down next to Hamilton, as close as possible to him without actually touching. They shared a panicked glance at each other and she took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet Finn�s eyes. �What did you,� she said, �uh, want to talk about?�

"On the last day of summer session, I encountered you two in the showers," Finn began, noting the faint blush creeping onto Jake's cheeks. �Well, it seems that you�re obviously��

"Yeah, I knew you've seen too much," Jake sighed, already feeling the prick of tears behind her eyes, "I knew it. I�ll leave. Right now, but�"

She was about to ask about whether she could still enrol in Rawley Girls', but Hamilton interrupted. "Look,� he said quickly, �this is all my fault, I was the one who got us into the whole mess, so please don't put the blame on Jake�"

"No, it was me who started the whole thing,� Jake said glumly. �I mean, if I didn't come to Rawley in the first place�"

�Please,� Finn held up a hand, �just listen. Look, no one has to leave."

"I don't?" asked Jake, incredulous.

"Look,� Finn rubbed his temples. �I want to make it very clear that the school does not condone such blatant forms of public displays of affection � we recognise that you�re all teenagers and yes, you do what you do, but do it in the privacy of your own rooms, okay? That�s all we ask. Leave the public spaces � such as the bathrooms,� he added meaningfully, �leave them well alone. That�s all I ask of you.�

�Um,� Jake stuttered, staring at him. Hamilton was gape-mouthed.

�What?� Finn looked a little fazed. �You understand what I�m trying to say?�

�Um,� Jake said again. �But what about��

What seemed like understanding dawned on Finn�s face, and he grinned, standing up. �You two? Yeah, I won�t say anything to anybody, you can have my word. It�s not my job to meddle in students� private lives. Incidentally, though,� he peered curiously at them, �you two thinking of coming out anytime soon? Or was the showers thing it?�

�Coming out�� Hamilton repeated weakly, his eyes wide as saucers.

�I can understand if you want to keep it under wraps,� Finn assured them, walking to the door. �It�s not exactly easy, being gay in an all-boys school. You�ll meet your fair share of antagonism. But I can assure you two that you�re not the only ones in this position, and certainly it�s nothing to be ashamed of.�

�Uh,� the couple said in unison, stunned into speechlessness. Which, all things considered, was probably a good thing.

�Okay,� Finn took another glance at them, looking a little confused at their shock. �Well, we�ll leave it here, all right? Hamilton, you might want to consider saying something to your parents soon. The rumour mill�s pretty rampant at Rawley. I don�t know if you�d want your father to find out about this through the grapevine.�

�Right,� Hamilton said with a feeble smile. �Thanks, Finn.�

�All right,� the older man grinned at them, stepping out into the hall. �See you guys later.�

As the door closed behind Finn, Jake turned to face Hamilton and found him staring back at her, the same expression of disbelief on their faces. �Well,� she said slowly, �I guess there�s an upside to being an, uh, A-cup��

***
Rawley Boys� Academy

It was the first day of school, it was raining, and there were ten male students, eight female students, and one female student pretending to be a male student, all crammed together in one classroom. Everyone's enthusiasm had worn off just enough to become irritable, and a faint buzz of idle chatter rose into the stale humid air, like the sound of trapped insects.

"I'm sorry we have to hold this class indoors," Finn apologised as he walked out from behind his desk and sat on its edge. "But I'm sure you'll agree that the outdoors don't really hold much of an appeal today either. You'll just have to cope." Looking around, he held up a book, "Assigned holiday reading, who actually did it?"

A surprising number of hands shot up. Finn smiled, "This must be some sort of record. I guess I wasn't wrong in putting Harry Potter on the reading list."

The class chuckled appreciatively. Will looked at Caroline Busse, who sat next to him. Her long brown hair had been cut to a stylish bob, and the clothes she wore that day had a distinct chic feel to them, resultant of a month spent in Paris. She glanced back, slipped him a note and smiled thinly when he took it.

The note was in her neat, loopy handwriting. 'We need to talk, meet me after class.'

He smiled at her, but she didn�t look at him. Frowning, he turned back to Finn. �I assume interesting events happened to most of you over summer vacation,� the teacher was saying, �and if they didn't� well, make it up. I want an essay on what you did, how you felt, anything. About 400 words, due in two days." The students groaned loudly in protest, and he smiled. "Welcome back to school, guys."

"Like we needed reminding," moaned Hamilton.

Finn ignored him. "I'm giving you this period to work on the draft, I suggest you start now."

Hamilton rolled his eyes and whispered to Jake, "I spent the entire month sitting at home, writing you emails. Maybe I should just put them down, you know, diary-fiction format. A look into the pathetic no-life of Hamilton Fleming."

Jake chuckled, as did a few people sitting near them. Hamilton hasn't realised he had spoken so loud and he looked up, blushing. The 'gay' thing wasn't much of a secret any more, what with his moving in plans in summer. Most of the guys were somewhat cool with it, at least they didn't hassle him. Still, his head jerked up when a guy sitting two rows back hissed 'fag', just loud enough for them to hear.

Jake glanced at him, and saw that he set his jaw, clenching his pen so hard that his fingertips were turning white. She sighed and went back to her essay.

***

"Hey," Will said to Caroline as they met in the hallway after English, jostled from behind as the other kids streamed out of class. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you since you came back. How was France?"

"Oh, it was fine," she replied, distracted. "Will, we need to talk."

�What�s wrong?� he asked as she led the way to a more secluded hallway, her face set in a careful blank.

She checked around for stray students and, satisfied with her inspection, turned back to him. �Will,� she said hesitantly, �I don't think we should see each other any more."

He stared at her. �What?�

�I�� she looked away, biting her lip. �I�m sorry��

�Was it someone else?� he was surprised that his voice sounded so calm. �Someone new?�

She glanced back at him for a moment before bowing her head, her dark lashes concealing the look in her eyes. �Yeah,� she said quietly, �I met this guy, in Paris."

He stared at her for a moment before managing a tight smile, "I had a feeling this was coming. Our relationship kinda fizzled out over the vacation, didn't it?"

"I wish it were different," she said in a hurry. "I mean, if we tried to keep in touch a little more�"

"It's okay," he put his hand on her arm, shaking his head. "You don't have to explain. To tell you the truth I'm not really surprised. I think it's better that we finish this now, although�" He shrugged with a wistful smile, "It was fun dating you, for a few weeks."

She looked up hopefully, "We can still be�"

"Friends,� he finished for her, with another wry smile. �Of course.�

"Thanks, Will, you are so understanding," she proffered a small grin and pecked him on the cheek. "I'll see you later." Without waiting for an answer she strode away, her heels clicking on the polished wood floor as though she were afraid that, had she stayed longer, that he would suddenly change his mind.

He watched her retreating figure and sighed. "Sure, you're welcome."

Part Three

The sign outside the crumbling red brick building read 'Edmund High', and it was New Rawley's very own high school. For the Townies. Run-down and decrepit, it held such a different air to the Rawley Academies, which towered over the town. No wonder most of the kids here were bitter and rude to Rawley students. They represented a life that they could not even imagine, let alone touch.

Still, Edmund was a different life. A life that was familiar, a life worth living, a life with friends and laughter and happiness, and for the most part, that was enough.

Bella waved to her girlfriends at the entrance of the school. "See you tomorrow!" she called before walking away with Sean McGrail, heading in the direction of the gas station.

"God, it's gonna take me forever to get through this homework," Sean moaned. "I hate going back to school."

"Me too," she replied automatically, although her glazed expression clearly betrayed that her mind was elsewhere.

He noticed, and smiled crookedly. "I mean,� he said, waiting for her reaction, �Miss Hinton said we have to turn in a 4000 word essay on World War II tomorrow."

"Yeah," she said absently.

He rolled his eyes with a good-natured smile. At the intersection where they usually parted ways, he asked, "Do you want to do anything tonight?"

She was looking at her feet, still lost in her own world, and he had to touch her on the arm before she looked up. "Did you say something?�

He smiled again, albeit with just a tinge of exasperation. "Do you wanna go out tonight? Grab a bite or somethin�."

"Sorry,� she shook her head apologetically, �but I have to look after the station tonight. Charlie's going out and I'm in charge of the counter."

�Okay,� he shrugged. "Then maybe I�ll come over later. We can hang out."

She contemplated for a moment, looking a little caught on the spot. �Yeah, sure.�

�Is anything wrong?" he asked quizzically.

"No," she replied quickly, and a little louder than necessary. He raised an eyebrow and she blushed. "No,� she said again, �nothing's wrong."

"Okay," he said, his tone betraying a clear tinge of disbelief. "I'll drop by after dinner."

"See you," she said, watching him disappear down the street. Heaving a sigh, she hung her head, feeling quite exhausted by the simple social act of talking. Wearily, she trudged along the road, heading toward the gas station.

***
Jake�s room

"Knock, knock," Scout called to the door. A moment later it opened, revealing Jake's curious face peeking around the corner. "Hi Scout, hi Will," she said to her visitors, her face relaxing into a smile. �Come on in.�

Hamilton was, as usual, sitting on Jake�s bed and reading magazines, "Hey guys,� he raised a hand in greeting. �What's up?"

"Okay,� Will cut straight to the chase. �Seeing that Jake's still at Rawley, I think it's high time that you told us a little bit more about� you know."

"The girl thing," Scout supplied. "We've been talking about it in St. Martin."

"Hot topic," Will smirked. "I can't believe you had us all fooled."

Jake pulled a mock bow and flopped down next to Hamilton. "I guess it�s only fair. What do you guys wanna know?"

The guys shared a look. "Everything!" exclaimed Scout. "Who are you? We don�t even know your real name! Why are you doing this? How long have you�" he pointed at Hamilton, "�known?"

Jake shrugged, "Hey, I may be a girl instead of a guy, but I'm still me. And I'm doing this to get back at my mom, cos she never pays any attention to me." Her expression darkened momentarily, �Still doesn�t, as a matter of fact.�

"But your name's not Jake," Will said sensibly.

Jake smiled. "No, it's Jacqueline. But call me Jake cos everyone does. Also, I'm still a guy as long as I'm still living here. So don�t treat me any differently, okay?"

"Getting back at your mom by cross-dressing?" Scout wrinkled his forehead. "Is this some girl thing? Cos I don't get it."

"It was just to get her attention,� Hamilton jumped in. �Jake was trying to make her notice that something's wrong."

Jake nodded. "Yeah, it was a pretty pathetic stunt. But things are a little� complicated now.� She glanced quickly at Hamilton, and took his hand. �And I don't want her to find out anymore."

"Which brings me to that question again, when did you find out, Ham?" Scout asked with a grin, "I'm guessing before all the gay rumours started."

Jake shared a smile with Hamilton. �Cotillion,� she simply said, blushing a little at the memory.

�Unbelievable,� Will looked thrown. �I can�t believe we were that blind.�

�Believe me,� Jake laughed, �you�re not the only one. The end of Summer Session, I thought Finn had found out; but it only turned out that��

"He was just another guy who thought we were gay," Hamilton chuckled.

"So you�re staying here?" Scout looked awestruck. �Dude, that�s bold.�

"I guess," Jake looked uncertain. "Is it cool with you guys, you know, to�"

"Sure, no problem," Scout replied quickly. "We are on your side, man. Uh, it's cool if I still call you man, right?"

Jake had to laugh, "Yeah, just treat me like one of the guys. Nothing's different, you know."

"Yeah, that's easy for you to say," Will pretended to grumble. "We�re the ones who have to deal with it."

"Don't I know it," Hamilton rolled his eyes skyward. Seeing the look on Jake's face, he quickly added, "Don�t think I'm not grateful, though."

She smiled, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.

Scout and Will glanced at each other. "Yup,� Scout said, resignedly. �That's definitely going to bother me for a while."

***
New Rawley

*David Gray's 'Silver Lining' plays*

Take this silver lining
Keep it in your own sweet head
Shine it when the night is burning red
Shine it in the twilight
Shine it on the cold cold ground
Shine it till these walls come tumbling down

Scout looked out the window of Friendly's, wiping down a countertop without so much as a look downward, his eyes trained at the gas station across the street. Bella was half-hidden under the lifted hood of a car, covered in engine grease from the elbow down. He smiled at the familiar sight, the look in his eyes pensive.

His smile faded, however, when he saw Sean appearing around the corner, putting his arm around Bella�s waist and twisting her around, leaning in for a kiss. Abruptly, Scout turned from the window and carried his tray back to the counter. Setting it down with a slight bang, he started to scrub the soda machine with vigour, turning his back on the station.

We were born with our eyes wide open
So alive with wild hope
Now can you tell me why
Time after time, they drag you down
Down in the darkness deep
Fools in their madness all around
Know that the light don't sleep

In the gas station, Bella pulled away from the kiss. "Hey,� she said uncomfortably, not looking at Sean.

"Bella,� he said, irritated, �what�s going on? And don�t tell me it's nothing cos you've been acting like this for weeks now. You think I don�t notice these things?"

She didn't stop working on the car. "I told you, it�s really nothing, so just drop it, okay?"

He was stung by the impatience in her voice. "I was just trying to be understanding."

"Oh, Sean,� she was contrite as she straightened, peeling off her gloves and tossing them into a nearby bucket. �I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's just been a really long day for me."

He looked unconvinced. "Bella, this isn't just today. It's been every day for the past month." Sighing, he laid a hand on her shoulder, "You know you can tell me anything. You do know that, right?"

"Trust me,� she turned away. �If I tell you, it's just going to make things more complicated."

Step into the silence
Take it in your own two hands
And scatter it like diamonds all across these lands
Blaze it in the morning
Wear it like an iron skin
Only things worth living for
Innocence and magic � amen

"But I can't stand the way you keep pushing me away!� he exclaimed. �Is it something I did? Cos I honestly can't remember doing anything to make you mad."

"No,� she sighed, �it's not you, it�s me."

�Great line, Bella,� he tried to laugh. �A little clich�d, though.�

"I�m serious,� she murmured. �There�s just so much stuff that I have to think about.� Without quite noticing what she was doing, she glanced at Friendly�s, seeking out the blue uniform at the counter.

Sean followed her gaze, and the look in his eyes hardened at the sight of Scout Calhoun. "It's him, isn't it," he said, not bothering to make the statement into a question.

She didn't answer, the soft light overhead throwing her eyes into luminous shadow. For a moment Sean stared at her, the beauty of the moment, like some indistinct dream. But reality came surging at him and he gritted his teeth, taking a step back. "God, what is it with you two?� he exclaimed. �Can't you just accept that you are brother and sister? Does �incest� even mean anything to you anymore? Do you have to drag me into this whole mess?"

Bella opened her mouth, but snapped it shut again. But a gleam in her eye gave something away, and he snatched upon it, his mind reeling. As the realisation sank in, he grabbed her by the shoulders. "What are you doing?� she exclaimed, startled. �Let go!�

"You asked your mom, didn�t you?" he asked with a steely flatness in his voice. "And he's not your brother."

We were born with our eyes wide open
So alive with wild hope
Now can you tell me why
Time after time they drag you down
Down in the darkness deep
Fools in their madness all around
Know that the light don't sleep

If she was looking at him, really looking, she would have seen that his eyes pleaded with her to tell him what he wanted to hear, a desperate fire burning behind his gaze. It was heart-wrenching, the way that he let his emotions crowd unfiltered onto his face in that instant, because a guy like Sean would never have done it if he could help it. But she was looking away from him, caught in her own inner turmoil, and she did not see.

She closed her eyes briefly, and nodded.

Sean did not say anything. He simply let her go, and then turned and walked away.

She stood where she was, quiet and still. She could have called out to him, but she didn�t. She merely watched, and slowly, her shoulders sagged and she covered her face with her hands, beginning to sob silently. The street lamps shone down on her, encircling her in a soft circle of golden light while Sean walked away from it, away from her, into the darkness.

We were born with our eyes wide open
So alive with wild hope
Now can you tell me why
Time after time they drag you down
Down with talk so cheap
Fools in their madness all around

Know that the light don't sleep
Know that the light don't sleep�

Part Four

The Gas Station

�Will!� Bella got up from her seat and ran up to the tall boy, who had just come in. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. �I�m so glad you came.�

He hugged her back, bemused. "What's wrong, Bella? You sounded really upset on the phone. I came as fast as I could."

She didn't respond, swiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. He frowned in sympathy and guided her back into the living room. �Wanna talk?�

"S� Sean�� she hiccupped, �Sean found out about Scout� not being my brother��

A concerned light shone behind his eyes. "And?"

"And h� he walked away. He didn't even talk to me, he just� left." She wiped impatiently at a tear that was trickling down her cheek. Will offered her a handkerchief and she took it, "I think he just assumed that I want to go back to Scout, but I don't even know what I want right now!"

"You still don't know who to choose?" he asked gently.

"It's not just that,� she dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief. �I don't even think I have a choice any more! I've blown everything with him, so even if I don't end up with Scout, I'm not going to be able to go back to Sean. God,� she sniffed against his shoulder, her tears seeping through his cotton T-shirt, �everything�s so screwed up."

"Bella, listen to me,� he murmured, �everything's difficult at the moment, I won�t deny that, but it's okay. You haven't blown everything with Sean. If anything, I bet he's gonna put up one hell of a fight with Scout. He�s not the type who�d just give up."

She lifted her tear-stained face, stricken. "But I haven't even told Scout yet! He still thinks we're related!"

He paused. "Oh."

�Yeah, I guess that sums it up," Bella laughed bitterly, blinking back new tears. "Will, you didn't see Sean. He looked so�� she shook her head and bit her lip, �he turned so cold all of a sudden. I couldn't even explain anything�"

�Shh,� he patted her shoulder. �It's gonna be all right. I know Sean, and he might be angry now, but I know he's gonna get home and realise that he's not giving you up that easily."

�You think so?� she looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes, sniffling.

He nodded resolutely. �I know so.�

***
The Diner

The day passed in a monotonous haze, the warm sun shining down on the sleepy little town. After school, the usual crowd of high school kids, both Rawley and Edmund alike, congregated inside the diner. Scout was manning the counter, looking rushed off his feet. His mood wasn�t exactly helped when the bell above the door dinged and Sean walked in, looking like a man on a mission.

Scout scowled. But all in all he was still working, and Sean was a customer, so he grabbed a menu and plonked it in front of the other boy, who promptly sat down at the counter, right in front of him. "What'll you have?" asked Scout routinely.

�Don�t think I�m giving her up without one hell of a fight,� Sean said in a low voice, apropos of nothing.

Scout blinked. �What?�

�All I�m sayin�,� Sean leaned forward, narrowing his eyes, �is that you better think twice before you try and take Bella away from me.�

"What the hell are you talking about?" Scout exclaimed, mystified. "I thought we cleared this up already!"

"Don�t mess with me, Calhoun,� Sean spat, annoyed. �Just cos you know now she's not your sister doesn't automatically give you the right to�"

He stopped suddenly, not because Scout had spoken, but because the other boy was staring at him, looking as though he was suddenly rendered incapable of speaking. Sean stared back, and a niggling little feeling rose up in his stomach, one that seemed eerily akin to realising he�d just made a huge mistake.

Scout licked his dry lips, not removing his eyes from Sean�s. �What did you say?�

Sean just stared.

�She�s not my sister?�

It was strange, that in such a moment of revelation, one could hardly hear Scout�s voice. It was so quiet it seemed insubstantial, as though he hadn�t spoken at all.

Sean swallowed with difficulty. �You mean she hasn�t told you?�

"She hasn't told me what?� Scout exclaimed, regaining his voice. He leaned toward Sean, eyes wide and very bright. �Did she ask her mom?" When Sean didn�t answer, his eyes narrowed threateningly. �Tell me.�

"Yeah, I thought you knew," Sean muttered, dropping his gaze. "Donna said you guys aren't related."

Scout sat back, his jaw slack and his eyes glazing over. There were grumbles from the waiting diner patrons over in the corner, but he paid them no notice whatsoever. Staring at Sean, his expression was completely blank, as though whatever emotion he�d felt was too much and too sudden to be registered properly.

***
Jake�s room

The afternoon sunshine filtered through the windows, pouring squares of liquid gold on the floor. Jake was sprawled across her bed, her eyes level with her laptop, which she had balanced precariously on a pillow. Her feet were bare, and she swung them lethargically in the air as she typed.

The door handle turned, and before she could react, Hamilton slipped into the room. �Hey,� he said.

�Don�t bother to knock or anything,� she said mildly, sitting up. The smile on her face faded when she saw his agitated expression. �What�s wrong?�

"Finn's right, we can't hide this much longer," he declared, beginning to pace up and down the room.

She just looked at him. "What are you talking about?"

He didn�t meet her eyes. �I've got to tell my parents."

"What?" she exclaimed. "What are you planning on telling them?"

He stopped pacing for a moment and took a deep breath, still not looking at her. "That I'm gay," he mumbled.

"No," she said flatly. "No. No way."

"Why not?� he started pacing again. �As soon as I 'come out' to my parents, we can be together in public."

"Look,� she sighed, �it�s sweet of you, but I'm not going to throw your reputation away just so that�"

"We've had this conversation before, Jake," he said impatiently. "It's for the best. You know most of the guys here think we're gay anyway � even Finn thinks so, for God's sake. The only thing that stands between us and complete freedom is my parents. Once I tell them, we won�t need to hide."

"But what are your parents gonna say?" she sat up, an incredulous look in her eyes. "I can't believe this. You�re actually going to tell them that their only son is gay? Can you imagine what that�ll do to them? And it�s not even true!"

"I don't care," he said, stubbornly.

"You're messing with their heads!" she exclaimed.

"Look who's talking," he retorted without thinking. Something flickered in Jake�s eyes and she shrank back, as though stung. He sighed. "Jake, I didn't mean that."

"No,� she said quietly, looking down, �you did. And it's true, I messed with your head and it wasn't fair to you.� Looking up again, she bit her lower lip, �And it won�t be fair to your parents if you do it to them."

He looked at her, calmly and steadily. First she looked back, but the intent blue of his gaze burned into her eyes and she blinked and glanced away, almost as though she�d been staring into the too-bright heart of the sun. �Hamilton�� she murmured, uncomfortable.

�Shh,� he walked forward and pressed a finger to her lips. �Don�t say anything. I�ve made up my mind.�

�But��

�Do you think I can stand it?� he asked, suddenly vehement. �With our relationship hidden in the dark all the time? Do you know how much I want to hold you out there? And I have to just curb that impulse, and watch other guys take their girlfriends� hands and kiss them in public, and no one bats an eye. Do you know how much I want to do this,� he traced her jaw with his fingertip, �and this,� he brushed a tendril of hair from her forehead. �Do you?�

She sighed, lost in the tenderness of his touch, but she said nothing.

�Yeah, it�s still gonna be a screwed up situation,� he said. �I�m not saying it�s not. But at least we can make the most of it.�

�By lying even more?� She protested, but her voice was growing feeble.

�I don�t want this relationship shut up in locked rooms and hidden behind bookcases forever,� he said, with an air of finality. �Damn it, Jake, I want us to be out there, out in the open, doing �couple things�, like everyone else.�

She looked back at him. The air in the room seemed to be frozen as they contemplated each other, his gaze very steady, hers wavering.

"There're homophobes all over the school," she whispered. "It's not going to be easy, you know. You'll wake up one day and regret this."

"Maybe," he said. "But I'm willing to take that chance."

She stared at him. He smiled back, a little lazily, and leaned in so that their noses touched. �Trust me, Jake,� he whispered, brushing his lips against hers.

She closed her eyes and inhaled. After what seemed an eternity, she let out a soft sigh and kissed him back, lightly.

�All right.�

***
The Gas Station

Bella was hunched over the gas tank, checking the meter, and straightened up just in time to see Scout and Sean marching straight towards her. She immediately turned and started to walk into the shop, but Scout sprang forward and grabbed her by the arm. �Scout,� she said, trying to hide the panic in her voice, �what are you doing? Let go.�

Scout loosened his grip, but held on nevertheless. �I can�t believe it,� he exclaimed, his eyes burning a bright and fervent blue, �Why didn�t you tell me?�

�Let go,� she yanked her arm from his grip and staggered back, avoiding his eyes as she brushed her hair out of her eyes.

�I can�t believe that you told me you didn�t talk to her!� shouted Scout, attracting the attention of several passers-by. �I asked you outright, Bella! You said you never brought up the subject with your mom! Why? It was just a simple yes or no, why did you lie to me?�

�Because I didn�t want a scene like this!� she exclaimed, looking back at him angrily. �I was going to tell you, soon, but you never gave me the chance, did you? You come marching into the gas station like you own me and��

�You�re such a jerk, Calhoun,� Sean pitched in. �No wonder she doesn�t want you.�

�Shut up,� Scout gave him a pronounced death glare before turning back to the blonde. �Bella,� he pleaded, �have you forgotten what it was like before all this crap? Do you remember the bike ride? And that day at the docks? We can start over, like it was before�"

�Bella,� Sean grabbed her by the shoulder, turning her around. �You are my girlfriend! Remember that night of that big dance at Rawley? Who was it that you had the first dance with? Who was it that you sang to? It was me! I didn't see this guy inviting you along! "

�This is low, man!� Scout shouted, fuming. �I thought we were brother and sister!�

Sean ignored him and continued talking to Bella, his tone tense and afflicted. �But no, he invited the first yuppie girl who came his way!�

Scout set his jaw and shoved Sean, hard. Sean staggered back, looked up with narrowed eyes, and before Bella could stop them, ran forward and threw a punch straight back in Scout's face. Scout stumbled, and when he straightened up again, he was holding his nose, and they could see that it was bleeding. He charged at Sean, and pushed him to the ground. Amidst flailing limbs Sean managed to throw off the other boy, and the two of them parted briefly, panting, lying winded on the pavement. Scout tried to haul himself up on his elbows, still holding his nose. "Why didn't you tell me?� he demanded thickly. �What were you afraid of?"

�God! I can't believe you�re even asking this question!� Bella yelled, �I was afraid of exactly this!� Without another word she turned, flying into the shop and slamming the door.

Sean lifted his head and groaned, staring at the empty space that Bella occupied. �Good one, Calhoun.�

�You were the one who made the dirty dig at me," Scout replied sullenly.

Sean covered his face with his hands and fell back onto the ground, "Whatever, just shut up.�

Scout glanced at him, disgusted. After a moment he struggled to his feet and stalked off, nursing his nose.

***
Jake�s room

Jake looked up from her new copy of Seventeen as a series of frantic knocks sounded on her door. She quickly stood up, shoved the magazine under her pillow, and went to answer it. �Bella,� she exclaimed, surprised, as she let the other girl in. �What�s up?�

�My entire existence,� Bella said darkly, pacing the room. Jake motioned for her to sit down, and she obliged, pulling out Will�s rumpled handkerchief to dab furiously at her eyes.

�Wanna talk?� Jake asked gently as she eased into her chair.

Bella nodded and took a deep breath to compose herself. �I�m not Scout�s sister.�

�Bella, that�s great!� Jake jumped to her feet, beaming. But one look from the girl, and she sat back down, doubt flickering across her face. �It�s not great?�

�I don�t even know any more.� Bella sighed, �It�s� complicated.�

�Isn�t everything these days?� Jake sighed along and, catching Bella�s �this isn�t helping� look, smiled apologetically. �Wanna fill me in on the rest of your problem?�

�The rest of my problem,� the other girl answered matter-of-factly, �is Sean. He found out about this even before I told Scout, and he totally flipped out.�

Jake frowned. �That�s not good.�

�And that's not the end of it," Bella managed a wry smile. "He then decided to take things into his own hands and tell Scout to lay off me, and that's how Scout found out that we're not related."

�And I'm guessing that he didn't take it too well either," Jake steepled her fingers and leaned back, looking thoughtful.

Bella rolled her eyes skyward. "They both showed up at the gas station and decided to get into fisticuffs. Right in front of me and half the town. God! I�m so humiliated, I can't believe they did that!"

Jake glanced at her, "So they were fighting over you?"

"Yeah," Bella replied shortly. "And I hate it."

Jake's lips curved up in a tiny half-smile. "Come on, Bella, doesn't the fact that two hot guys are fighting over you make you feel just a little�"

"No," the other girl repeated flatly. "I hate it."

Jake quirked an eyebrow and sat back. "Okay, I was just wondering."

"What am I going to do?" Bella wailed, biting ferociously at her nails.

�First of all, stop doing that,� Jake grimaced. �You look like you�re about to eat yourself. Secondly� I dunno. Tell them to both back off. Give you some time to think. You need that right now.�

"Yeah," Bella murmured. "I really, really do."

Part Five

Will and Scout�s room

"You're an idiot," said Will without ceremony.

"Yeah, I am," Scout replied, holding a bloodied tissue over his nose and peering into the mirror. "But I can't help it. Sean's such a jerk-off."

"Hey, ease off,� Will protested. �Sean's my friend too, you know."

�Sorry, man." Scout turned from the mirror and slumped down on his bed. "I just can't believe Bella didn't tell me about this! How could she keep it a secret from me? Don't I deserve to know the truth?"

"Yeah, well, it looked like she had good reason to keep it from you,� Will shrugged. �You guys behaved like a couple of five-year olds fighting over a handful of candy."

Scout groaned and fell back onto his pillow. "What am I gonna do now?"

"Back off," Will said immediately. "Give her some breathing space, man. You guys are suffocating her."

Scout glanced up, but before he could talk, Will continued. �If you guys keep pressuring her like this, she'll probably do something drastic, like skip town or something."

Scout raised an eyebrow. "You serious?"

"She did it once, when we were nine or ten." Will said sombrely. "She was really upset about� God, I can't even remember. Maybe her mom. Anyway, Charlie found her twenty miles from here, by the edge of the highway. No one even knew how she got there."

Scout stared up at the ceiling. "Backing off sounds good in theory," he said slowly. "But� it's just really hard, okay? Bella� she�s special."

Will didn't respond for a long while. Instead, he stared into space, face blank, eyes betraying a hint of unquiet.

"I know," he finally said. "I know."

***
The Dean�s house

Out on the doorstep to the Flemings� house, Hamilton looked at Jake. She looked back at him, fear written all over her face.

�Here goes nothing," he whispered, squeezing her hand briefly. Together they stepped through the door.

Steven Fleming was seated on the couch, shuffling through a pile of official-looking papers. The sight made Jake start. It was weird seeing the guy still looking so obviously Dean-like when he was at home. Kate Fleming, poring over some bills at the kitchen table, looked up as they walked in. "Hi boys," she called cheerfully. �How are you, Jake?�

Jake smiled weakly, "Hi, Mrs. Fleming."

�Have a seat,� Kate urged, pushing her bills to one side with a warm smile.

Jake nodded, sitting down gingerly on the edge of a chair. Hamilton patted her back, trying to be reassuring; but she noticed that his hand was shaking. Steven turned toward them, a mildly curious expression on his face. Jake squirmed a little under his calm gaze, and Hamilton clenched his fists together, as if that was going to give him mental strength.

"So, you wanted to talk to us," Steven said.

"Yeah, I�� Hamilton replied, a warm blush spreading up his cheeks. �I mean, we did." He sneaked a glance at Jake, and saw that she was nervously chewing on her lower lip. He has never seen her look so scared. Or so pale. His gaze softened as his eyes travelled over her delicate profile.

Unobserved by him, Kate Fleming watched them with furrowed brows. Exchanging a significant look with her husband, she asked softly, "Munchie?"

Hamilton gave a start, and turned sheepishly. Normally he would protest against the ridiculous nickname his mother insisted on using, but this time he was too preoccupied to even notice. "Uh, yeah," he muttered, glancing at Jake again. She sneaked a peek at him and quickly lowered her head.

He inhaled, held his breath, counted to four, then let it out slowly.

"I'm gay and I'm in love with Jake," he said in a rush, the words tumbling from his lips so quickly that he doubted that they made much sense. Staring fixedly at the ground, unable to lift his eyes, the irony of the entire situation hit him with surprising force. He could feel his ears burning and the intent gazes of his parents on him, making him wish he could fall dead on the spot.

But he didn't, and the long silence that followed his statement finally made him look up, apprehension written all over his face.

His parents were smiling.

He stared, then turned and looked at Jake. She too was gape-mouthed and wide-eyed at this unexpected reaction. They expected yelling, denial, all-out screaming matches, whatever, but not this. Not smiles. Kate had a hint of tears in her eyes and his father looked vaguely grave, but they were smiling nonetheless.

"Well? Aren't you going to�" Hamilton murmured, trailing off.

"� Say something?" Jake croaked out.

Kate delicately dabbed at the edges of her eyes, stopping halfway the tears that were threatening to fall. "Honey,� she said gently, �we knew."

*Sarah McLachlan�s �Adia� plays*

"We knew ever since we heard about you punching that student� Ryder, is it?" Dean Fleming looked toward his wife, who nodded in confirmation. Seeing his son look as though he had been kicked in the stomach, he added, "Rumours were rampant on campus, Hamilton. They still are."

"You never said anything to me," Hamilton whispered, stunned.

Kate smiled. "We thought it better for you to come to us."

"Aren't you�� he stuttered, �mad at me?"

"God, no! Honey, why would we even think that?" Kate's voice was light, but she blinked rapidly and, in spite of herself, a tear rolled down her cheek. She sniffed and offered a wobbly smile. �We just want you to be happy."

Adia I do believe I failed you
Adia I know I let you down
Don't you know I tried so hard
to love you in my way
It's easy, let it go

"Mom�" Hamilton choked on his words, even now half regretting the tangled web of lies they were spinning themselves into; the untruths that must one day come to light. But he was moved, all the same.

�You have to find what's best for you, Munchie,� Kate said softly, as she stood and walked toward him, her arms outstretched. �We can't do that for you any more."

He swallowed a sob and let himself be embraced by his mother, as though he were a little boy again.

Steven smiled, albeit a little regretfully. "I can't say that I'm not disappointed, though, Hamilton. I always wanted a grandchild."

Hamilton chuckled in his mother's arms, " You never know.� Seeing his father�s puzzled face, he quickly added, �I mean, you never know, I might be bi."

Steven didn�t look as though he knew how to react, and the expression on his face was caught somewhere between shock and amusement. Hamilton had to laugh.

I take away your pain
and show you all the beauty you possess
If you'd only let yourself believe that
We are born innocent
Believe me Adia, we are still innocent
It's easy, we all falter, does it matter?

Kate hugged her son tight, and her gaze shifted to Jake, who by now was rapidly blinking back tears. "Jake," Kate began, but faltered. What do you say to your son's first boyfriend? She was suddenly amazed at how young Jake looked, the tentative innocence in his eyes.

"Please, Mrs. Fleming, you don't need to say anything," Jake managed to choke out the words beyond the lump in her throat. "I understand."

Kate beamed at her, her eyes misty. Jake looked back, at the woman who had opened her heart and her home, even when Jake was in this form, projecting this image, under this fa�ade. "Thank you," she said, putting as much emphasis and emotion into those words as she could, and hoped that their full meaning would be delivered.

Kate smiled, and held out her other arm. Jake rose, hesitant, but a tide of emotion washed over her and she walked forward, hugging the other woman in a way that she�d always wanted to do to her own mother but never really had the chance to. She buried her face in Kate�s shoulder, and could feel the warm wetness of tears on her cheeks.

Believe me Adia, we are still innocent
Cos we are born innocent
Adia we are still
It�s easy, we all falter ...
but does it matter?

***
The Diner

"How's it going?" Will asked Bella as he set an ice cream sundae in front of her. It was past the dinner rush service time, and he finally had some time to settle down and chat to his friend. Leaning his elbows on the counter, he surveyed her with a concerned air. �Scout and Sean still giving you grief?�

�It�s better than before,� she offered a small smile. �I've been going out of my way to avoid them. I just want some time alone to think.� She looked around suspiciously, "Scout's not working, is he?"

"No," he grinned. "I sent him home cos I wanted to ask how you were doing, and it's not gonna happen if he's still here."

She sighed and picked up her spoon. After taking a minuscule bite of ice cream, she looked up again. "Will�"

He glanced at her. "Yeah?"

"Did you� did you talk to either of them at all?" she asked hesitantly. "Because I could've sworn they are trying to stay out of my way too, and I was just wondering if�"

"Yeah, that was me,� he said, his voice shaded with a tinge of guilt. �Sorry, Bella, I shouldn't have meddled. I just told both of them to back off because it seemed like what you needed. Look, if you want it any other way, I'll go and tell them right now�"

"No," she smiled, touching his arm. "This is good. Really good. Thank you."

"Oh," he grinned, relieved. "I thought you'd be mad."

"I can't be mad at you," she looked up, meeting his eyes. "You've helped me out so much in the past few days, and I�m really grateful for that."

"I didn't do anything,� he chuckled, glancing away as though nervous.

"You offered me a shoulder," she said, her tone serious. Quickly, she planted a kiss on his cheek. �Thanks for being such a good friend.�

He pulled away, looking mildly uncomfortable. �Um,� he mumbled, �that�s cool.�

She beamed at him and reached into her shirt pocket, pulling out a glossy 6x4 print. �Look at this.�

He peered over and saw that the photograph was of the two of them, grinning out at the camera against a backdrop of startlingly blue sky. He remembered that it was taken by Charlie, a few days before Summer Session at Rawley began. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Three months, Will,� she whispered, echoing his own thoughts. �Three months."

A shiver ran down his back. Had it only been that long? Starting school at Rawley, meeting Scout and Hamilton and Jake, getting tangled up in this web that the town and the Academy wove around him, the brief happiness that was Caroline, and now� something new stirring inside of him�

He forbade himself from thinking any further.

Together they stared at the photograph. In that captured timeless world, they laughed silently, their eyes dancing with mirth, with no thought to what lay before them, secrets and lies and also better things: friendships, and love. As they looked back on it, it seemed almost impossible that a mere three months could have seemed so weighty in its passing.

"I want you to have it," she said as she slid the photo across the counter. "A memento."

"Of what?" he laughed. "The Glory Days?"

She chuckled, but the sound of it was thin and hollow, a little wistful. "Something like that.�

Part Six

Rawley Boys� Academy

The afternoon sunlight coloured the Rawley grounds a rich, burnished gold, and a few guys were leisurely tossing a football around on the lawns. One guy tossed the ball to another boy running past, and it went without much aim. The other boy leapt up, straining to catch it. However, mid-leap, he suddenly seemed to give up and instead landed on the ground, his attention caught by something other than the game at hand. The other guys followed his gaze as it came to rest on the couple that was strolling toward them, hand in hand.

That couple was Jake and Hamilton, and they were oblivious to the other guys� gazes, or so it seemed.

"They are staring," Jake muttered out of the side of her mouth, trying not to peer at the guys.

Hamilton's �casual� smile was also looking strained. "Just keep walking and act cool."

She obeyed and tightened her grasp on his hand. As they walked past the game, they were fully aware of the half-dozen or so pairs of eyes, all staring at them with no small amount of incredulity, gazes that seemed to burn holes into their backs.

"You know,� she whispered, �I'm not so sure about this now. It�s creeping me out."

"Shh," he said as the forgotten football made a clean curve in the air and landed near their feet. Jake picked it up and a guy from the game broke away, coming towards them. They recognised him as Thomas Greenwood, a fellow sophomore whom they had a few classes with. Jake tossed the ball to him and he caught it, but he kept on walking, coming to a stop right in front of them. �Hey,� he said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"Hey," the couple chorused, glancing uncertainly at each other, bracing themselves against an anticipated barrage of insults and innuendo. Nevertheless Hamilton retained his grip on Jake�s hand, and she could not fight a small smile.

Thomas stared at them a moment longer than necessary, while Hamilton and Jake stared back, unflinching, as though in challenge.

Finally, Thomas smiled. �You guys have guts,� he said simply. And, almost as an afterthought, he lowered his voice a few notches and added, �I wish I had the courage to do that."

And with that, he grinned at them, and ran back to the game. Jake stared at his retreating figure, then turned to Hamilton with raised eyebrows.

"Maybe we're gonna start a 'coming out' trend," he chuckled, a little shocked.

"Don't count on it." she replied, laughing. Together they walked on, hand in hand.

***
The Gas Station

The warm early autumn sun shone down on Main Street. Sean and Scout stood on the sidewalk, exchanging a grave glance before they walked toward the gas station. �Bella?� Sean called tentatively, pushing open the door and smiling at the blonde, who was manning the counter.

Bella looked up, and her expression remained neutral, though her eyes darted nervously to and fro between the two boys. "Hey guys."

"Look, we've been thinking�" Scout began.

"We've been idiots," Sean interrupted hurriedly, ignoring the disgruntled look that Scout gave him.

Bella laughed in spite of herself. "Nice opening."

"We know we've been putting you under a lot of pressure lately,� Scout said. �And we feel pretty bad about it. So�"

"We're backing off,� Sean interrupted again. �Take as long as you need, we'll be here when you do make a decision�"

Scout glared at Sean and cleared his throat. "The thing is,� he said quickly, �this is entirely your decision now. Whoever you choose, we'll be cool with it."

"Really?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.

Scout smiled and held up a hand. "Scout's honour."

"You're resorting to puns?� Sean smirked. �Could you get any cornier?"

Scout glowered at him, making Bella laugh out loud. "Thanks, guys,� she said. �That's the only decent thing you've done in days." Looking from one boy to another, she asked tentatively, "So� I can take as long as I want to think it through?"

"Absolutely," the guys replied in unison, nodding. They glanced at each other, and exchanged a tiny smile.

***
New Rawley, Main Street

Jake looked at Hamilton as they strolled down the deserted street, the soft yellow of the roadside lamps playing over their features. "This is nice," she breathed.

"I know," he replied, and lifted a hand to ruffle her hair.

She smiled at him and looked up at the night sky, suddenly stifling a small chuckle.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"Look, it's a full moon tonight," she turned to him and grinned, her smile recalling a time when the moon was also full, but feelings and situations were very, very different.

Actually, coming to think of it, maybe feelings hadn't changed much after all. They've run deeper, that was for sure, but Hamilton could remember the night at the drive-in like it was emblazoned on his mind. He could still taste the jealousy and confusion that welled up inside of him when Lena looked at him and asked if he could convince Jake to go out with her. With a slow laugh he leaned in close and whispered in her ear, �Thanks for the update.�

She grinned, stopping in the middle of the street and pulling him closer. �I�ve been thinking.�

"Oh no," he groaned. "Am I going to like this?"

She smiled. "I have a feeling you are going to. Very much, in fact."

He raised an eyebrow. �What is it?�

She paused for a moment, then shyly looked up at him through her lashes. "Do you want to move into the dorms? With me?"

His eyes widened. "You're kidding, right?" Seeing her shake her head, he stuttered, "But� you� you said that you weren't ready�"

"That was a month ago," she replied, gazing at him steadily. "It didn't feel right before, but it does now." Upon seeing a devious smile steal over his face, she laughed, " Watch it! This is not a free pass to jump me."

His face fell, but perked up again immediately, " At least I'm one step closer."

*David Gray's 'This Year's Love' plays*

�But� are you sure?" he asked, peering into her eyes. �This is a big decision for you. Maybe it�d be best if��

�No,� she said. �I want you to. It�ll be cool.�

He smiled slowly. "But I thought my posters don't match your stuff."

"And they still don't," she laughed. "And seeing that it's my room you�ll be moving into, I think I get to choose what posters that you get to�"

She didn�t get to finish her sentence, as he silenced her with a lingering kiss. And that was where they stayed, under the moon, under the stars, under the soft glow of the street lamps, not kissing each other like there was no tomorrow, but rather, like there was an everlasting supply of tomorrows, waiting for them to find, hand in hand.

So who's to worry if our hearts get torn
When that hurt gets thrown
Don't you know this life goes on
And won't you kiss me on that midnight street
Sweep me off my feet
Singing ain't this life so sweet�

***
Rawley Boys' Academy, dorms

Scout plonked himself down on Will's bed with a smile. "So," he said, looking at the other boy with a hint of impatience.

Will glanced up from his book. "So�?" he replied, uncertainty crossing his face.

"We're giving her space," Scout grinned, looking satisfied with himself.

Will blinked. �Good for you,� he said quietly, turning back to his book.

�God, I can�t wait!� Scout exclaimed. �I know, I know, no pressure and everything, but somehow� somehow I just know, you know?� he nodded to himself, pleased. �Bella's gonna think about this for a few days, then bam, it's gonna hit her. She will choose me. She will."

Will looked up blankly at the mention of his name. "What?"

"What?" Scout furrowed his brows.

Will shrugged, not looking particularly interested, and returned to his book once more.

"Look a bit less happy for me, will ya?" drawled Scout, sarcasm dripping from his voice. �What is with you today, man?�

Will smiled, "Sorry. I�m just a little tired, is all. It's good. I'm happy for you, really."

*Electrasy's 'Morning Afterglow' starts to play*

"I know you are," Scout patted him on the shoulder, offering another bright grin. He paused, and added, "Thanks, man."

"Why?" Will looked up again, bewildered.

"You're the one who told me to back off, remember?" Scout chuckled. "I'm glad I listened to you. I'd hate myself if I lost the chance to be with Bella just cos I was too hot-headed to think straight." His eyes softened, "If I carried on like that, she would be hating me so much by now�"

Will watched him silently, the look in his eyes unfathomable.

In his excitement, Scout didn�t notice. His eyes shining, he turned toward his best friend. �Will, I think I�m in love with her.�

Something in Will�s expression changed, became sharper and softer at the same time. "What did you say?" he asked faintly.

"I'm in love with her,� Scout repeated, a dazed sheen settling over his eyes. �God, I don't think I've ever felt this way about anyone before."

Will nodded, and was silent.

�You sure you�re okay, man?� Scout asked. �You�re awfully quiet tonight.�

�Sorry,� Will said again, the same weary smile emerging on his lips. �I think it�s great that you� you know, figured out where you stand with her and everything.�

�Yeah,� Scout chuckled, patting the other boy�s back once more. �Me too. Well, I'm off for a shower." Standing up, he crossed the room and picked up his towel. �I�ll see you later, man.�

�Um, yeah�� Will�s voice was barely audible.

"Hey,� Scout paused in the doorway, turning around. �You won't tell Bella I said that, right? I don't want to, you know, push."

Will looked up. �Of course,� he said simply, watching as Scout grinned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

When the other boy�s footsteps faded down the hall, Will put his book down. He sat there for a moment, just staring into space, before he reached over to his bedside table and pulled a photo out from the bottom drawer. His eyes moved over it, searching, brooding.

Bella smiled out at him from the glossy print, her hair flaring out around her like a halo of sunshine.

"Bella," he whispered.

Now is not the time to go, I feel the morning afterglow
And it feels so very strange
It's very very frightening I realise what's happening
Could it be that I'd fall in love

*Will's voiceover starts*

'Sometimes moving forward can be harder than you think. Because it's not your design, it might not always take the path you want your life to take. It usually just makes everything more complicated than they already are. Sometimes I try to force my life into stopping, try to halt it from moving forward, because I was content with how it was. But that's not possible, moving forward is as inevitable as growing up is. So we charge ahead, blind to the world in front of us and what it may bring. This is just how life is, and seeing that I'm powerless to stop it, I guess I�ll just have step in front of it with arms wide open. All I can say is: welcome, advancement.'

She's the only one for me and she's got everything I need
Turn my back and run away
She's the only one for me and she's got everything I need
Turn my back and run away�

The End

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