“Morning class…” Glass came in with her usual flourish entrance.
           “How’s your liver doing Miss Glass?” Carmen asked.

           “Minding its own business…” came the gruff reply.

           Suddenly, a knock came and the Principal’s secretary walked in. “Excuse me Miss Glass, a message for your student…” she handed Glass a piece of paper and walked out.

           Glass glanced at the paper. “McLeod!” she called out.

           Dean raised her eyebrows.

           “Principal’s office, now…”

           “Hey… Whatever it is it’s not my fault…” Dean said, holding up her hands.

           “Someone’s waiting for you…”

           “Oh, okay…”

           The cafeteria was packed with the usual crowd as Sam headed to her usual table. She found the rest of the gang already there. She glanced over to the ‘Popular’ table and saw Brooke watching her. Their eyes met and she broke into a grin.

           “I don’t think its fair…” Harrison said as he watched the two lovebirds play eye contact.

           “What’s not fair?” Carmen asked.

           “I spent my whole life pining for Brooke McQueen and suddenly she turned out *****…” Harrison said. “And to add salt to the wound, her lover happens to be my best friend… How twisted can one get…?”

           “You can’t force love, Harrison…” Carmen said.

           “Since your chances of winning her now is like, absolutely zilch… Move on…” Lily said.

           “What are you guys talking about?” Sam asked finally turning to her friends.

           “Harrison here is just whining about his lack of luck in the women’s department…”

           “I’m sure there’s a Miss Right for you out there, Harrison…” Sam said.

           “Or Mr. Right…” Lily added cheekily.

           “Oh, god! No!” Harrison said.

           The girls laughed.

           “Where’s Dean…?”

           They all turned to find Nicole standing beside their table.

           “Hello to you too, Satan…” Sam said, though the name now holds no more animosity.

           “Dean’s not with you guys?”

           “Hadn’t seen her since lab… Why?”

           “Can’t seem to find her anywhere…” Nicole said.

           Sam detected the carefully concealed panic in the usually composed cheerleader. “I’m sure she’ll turn up…”

           “Hmm…” Nicole nodded absently and walked back to her table.

           “What’s that all about?” Lily asked.

           “Since when does Nicole even notice Dean exists?” Carmen asked.

           Sam just shrugged.