>>> Are We There Yet? -The Bus Ride-

[Reed Turner]

Reed was going to sit next to his brother but realized that that would be incredibly lame. i was like sitting next to your parents. He already saw a few girls checking him out and whispering, maybe Mr. Sensitive would work up the nerve to talk with them. God, Riley was so shy. Unlike Reed, who would probably just go up to them and say, 'If your lucky, by the end of the night, we'll be having sex.'
But, Reed also saw some other younger teachers, that wanted to go, since they probably did back in their highschool 'heyday'. He noticed one of the younger teachers, Lance Broker. "Hey, Ry, why don;t you sit next to him. I;m sure you guys have a lot of 'teachy' stuff to talk about."

The next thing he knew, Riley's hand hit him in the back of the head. "Ah, what the fuck was that for?" he said as he rubbed the back of his head. "Stop calling me a teacher," Riley said with a grin and got out of the aisle seat and looked back at him., "I see you when we are in Vegas."
Reed continued to rub his head as he saw Ashley and her brother getting out of the car. Scarlett had told him earlier that day that she didn't want to go. He felt a little guilty for still going, since he felt obligated to stay with her. Joey entered the bus first and he couldn't help but glare at him. As Joey walked by him he couldn't help but say, "And you still have the courage to appear out in public, pretty boy. I hope I didn't mess you up too bad," he said referring to the fight they had at Nonsense which had a lot of flying fists and broken beer bottles.

Before it got to out of hand, Ashley climbed up on the bus. Reed glanced at her and then Joey, "It's ok that we are going to be bus-buddies, right?" he smirked as Ashley was near them. "Ashley!" he said with a smile and gave her a hug and a kiss on her cheek, just to piss Joey off even more.

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[Min-Sook Park]

Nikki heard a familiar voice, and so she turned her head. Jake! He was in Vegas? Of course he was! It was awkward how the Malinda sisters both liked boys named Jake. Of all the people... "Hey Jake!" Nikki said, as he came up to her. Natalie had already gone somewhere, when Nikki was taking care of herself. "Don't make a scene.." She whispered, blushing.

There were a lot of people on the bus, and she didn't want people staring. This was Vegas. Maybe they can go to a restaurant and kiss later. Luckily, Natalie wasn't here. She wouldn't be enjoying the scene. 'Where is Natalie?' Nikki thought to herself. Her sister was old enough to take care of herself.

______________________

Meanwhile, Natalie was on the bus, looknig for Joey. He had gotton her sister upset, and Natalie wanted to know why. She didn't want to ask, since Nikki was so depressed, Natalie didn't want to make her think about it. She just couldn't stand to see her sister in tears. Nikki went around asking, only knowing Joey had something to do with it.

"Joey?" Natalie asked, hoping he wasn't busy. "Yeah, I'm Natalie. Nikki's sister." She didn't even ask him the real question she wanted to shout out. Natalie showed no emotion just a name thing. He probably didn't know her. Just in case, she had to introduce herself. As much as she wanted to explode....she knew she had to hold it in. Natalie was a sophmore, and Joey was a Senior. Big difference.

[krueger]

"Are you sure about this, Emilia? I don't know if Vegas is a good idea the way you've been acting lately." The words tumbled from the mouth of Ben Demtra before he even had time to think about it. Emilia's behavior had been a rough patch for both of them; Emilia being free spirited, and Ben being an over protective twin brother. For the past few days, they had been arguing on and off as Emilia became increasingly less like herself and more like your average girl at Valkyrie, which made Ben afraid for her health and happiness.

"I'll be alright, Ben. You don't have to worry about me." Emilia's tone was a little harsh as she turned the keys to shut off their 2000 Mercury Tracer. It definately wasn't the best car in the Mall lot, but it worked, which was all that mattered to the twins. It got them where they needed to go, and wasn't too flashy or stuck up in doing so. Already she could see some people that she knew from school. The most important being Luke Summitt. Her newest friend, but also her mentor. Briefly, she checked her outfit, before letting out a slow breath to calm her nerves. Climbing out of the car without waiting for her brother, Emilia popped the trunk and flipped it open.

Inside was her backpack and Ben's suitcase. Somehow, she'd managed to pack everything she needed inside the small bag, while Ben felt the need to pack an entire suitcase that was almost bursting with items. It had always been that way though; Emilia had learned to pack what she needed in a small space by rolling up her clothing articles into long rolls, while Ben folded everything neatly and precisely so that nothing would be wrinkled.

Picking up her backpack and shrugging it over her shoulder, Emilia deliberately slammed the trunk closed before Ben got his bags out. Spiteful, yes. But did it feel good? Yes to that as well. he'd pissed her off enough to get her to things she might not normally, but hey, he'd have to come talk to her again to get her to open the trunk. With a smirk his way, she walked over to Luke and waved. "Hey there." She greeted.

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"God, she's been a bitch lately." Ben mumbled as Emilia slammed the door. He took a last minute look around the cab of their car, making sure they had everything they might need before they got out. He was dressed as usual; moderately with a touch of fashion sense. It seemed to be effective for him though, because he got comments from people occaisionally.

As he got out of the car, he looked around for people as well. Maybe not people so much as one person. Since that night in the theater, Ben had been increasingly curious about Laura Stillings and the Stillings family in general. Something was weird there, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what yet. But he was determined to find out, and get closer to Laura as well. She seemed like a great person, hard working and kind, but mysterious as well.

Ben was jolted out of his thoughts as the trunk slammed in front of his eyes and Emilia strode away. Blinking a few times in shock, he ran a hand through his hair and shook his head, watching as his sister walked over to Luke Summitt. He didn't even know the guy and already hated him; mostly because of his influence on his innocent sister, Emilia. With a huff, he strode over to the pair as Emilia said a small greeting, pulling the car keys out of his sister's hand and arching an eyebrow at Luke before turning away. Hopefully he wouldn't have to see that guy much more than usual.

Trudging back to the car, he re-opened the trunk and pulled out his dark blue suitcase. Standing t up on its wheels, he slammed the trunk closed again, locked the car, and walked towards the bus. Almost carelessly, he shoved his suitcase below, then sighed. His anger was getting the best of him now, and he had to calm down before he punched something...or someone. Closing his eyes for a moment, Ben stepped up onto the bus and looked around for someone he might know.[/color]

[faith]

Ashley glared down at Jake as she heard him call Nikki the most beautiful girl in the world. The words Douch Bag almost lsipped out of her mouth, but she made sure that they didnt. She waould save the drama for later. But, as she did a double take toawrds Jake, she relised something. Reed was right. Reed had told her that Jake was bad news, and he was right. For some reason, Ashle felt over-joyed at this relisation. She couldnt help but keep smiling. Which, to be quite frankly, was very odd. Seeing as it proved her point wrong. But. If you wanted to know the full truth. Ashley knew that Reed was right about Jake all along. She just never wanted to admit it. But, now she ws admiting it to herself. And maybe, just maybe, it was the satisfactin of relief that was making her happy.

Joey caught Reed glaring at him. So Joey did a natural instinct and stared right back. Into his eyes. Man to man. Well, in Joeys mind it was Man to Man Whore, obviously with Joey being the Man, and Reed being the whore. Joey just sucked his teeth at the comment of Joey showing his face in public after their little fight club party. "You should be more surprised that you get to keep your own face to show after fucking with my siblings. Her mentally" Joey said, nodding backwards towards Ashley, then starting again. "And Scarlett literally" But. Before Reed and Joey could really get at it, Reed at stood up and called Ashley over. "Fuck you" Joey mouthed, then began to walk off, to the back of the bus.

"Reed!" Ashley sqealed, like a little five year old girl. She ran up to him and jumped into his arms, wrapping her own around him. Chills ran up her spine as he kissed her on the cheek. Though she had been kissed on the cheek many times by numerous people, any contact with Reed made her whole body tingle. Ashley then released Reed. "Your not just having me sit next to you to tick my brother off are you?" Ashley asked. But, before Reed got the time to say anything, she went on. "Because, even if you are, count me in. Anything to ruin his day" Ahley giggled. She felt mean, but, her brother was mean to her.

Ashley then sat down on the seat, and moved in, towards the window. SHe liked the window seat and she always had, ever since kindergraden when she went on a bus for the first time.

"You were right" Ashley nodded towards Reed. "Jake is a sleeze. I just got that comfermed today" Ashley smiled. She knew it would make Reed smile to know that she alswell didnt like his enimeis, all of them except Jason. She couldnt not be friends with Jason. They were friends since dipar days. She couldnt give that up. "Oh, and, your smart for hating Joey too, even though its kinda hard for me because he hates that were friends, so hes always throwing little prissy fits" Ashley whispered, she had purpously said prissy instead of hissy. She knew Reed would catch that.

Joey was stopped by a girl. Obviously younger then him. Her did a 360 on his heels and turned to face her. "Uh, hi...?" he asked. Not exactly knowing who she was until-. She was Nikkis little sister. Shit. Damn. Fuck. Not know. Not here. He would talk it out with Nikki. Later. Not in front of all these people. "Here, let me just say. I befriended your sister, and got to attached. And thats it. THats all that happened. I told Amanda to try to rekindle her friendship with Nikki and I said if they needed I would help. I did all I could to solve it, and the problems fixed, and they are both stronger people now" Joey sighed. He hoped that was was enough for Nikkis younger sister.

[skyehanson]

Jake smiled at Nikki. "Okay, no scene for you. But that means that you owe me big time once we get to the hotel. Got it?" He poked her lightly in the shoulder before he put his arm around her shoulders. "By the way, was that your sister you were with?" He didn't remember ever meeting Nikki's sister. He thought this trip would be a great time to get to know more about Nikki and all her friends. And her sister, of course.

//Brain blockage...//

[Min-Sook Park]

"Yeah," Nikki said, replying to Jake. "I have no idea where she is right now. You can meet her later..That is if you want to." She looked around the bus for her sister. SHe looked in the front, then turned to the back. Oh no. There she was. and guess who she was talking to. Joey. Oh joy. What know? "Hold on." Nikki said to Jake.

On the other hand, Natalie listen to what Joey said. It had to be more than that. "You think that I'm goin-," She couldn't say another word as Nikki's hand was placed over her mouth. She paid no attention to Joey and took her hand off Natalie. "I have someone you need to meet.." Nikki said, signaling her sister to follow.

"But I have to-" Natalie couldn't finish. She looked at Joey. It wasn't just a glance it was an 'i hate you' look. She knew she couldn't do anything but...

[Riley Turner]

After Riley had left Reed, he passed a girl to get to the front of the bus. He heard his brother call her 'Ashley' and he looked back to see Reed in a staredown with another guy. Riley knew of his brother enemies, but not by face. He remembered Reed telling him that all of them started with J's. Jason, Joey, and Jake. Reed wondered who this one was. Somedays, Riley was just waiting until his little brother got the shit beaten out of him because he did something to piss someone off. But one of the J's stalked off to the farther back of the bus and Riley breifly watched Reed start talking with Ashley before he turned completly around to find the teacher Reed had mentioned.

"Um, hey," he started. "I'm Riley Turner. I'll start student teaching on Monday," he said to the guy and offered his hand to the male. "I don't know if anyone beside Principle Marsters and the English department knows I'm there, but my younger brother told me you are another teacher here at Valkyrie."

[Like woah, shitty.]

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[Haley Summers]

Haley took her purse and walked over to Anne and Daphne, glancing quickly at who they were looking at. Wow, he looked familiar. "Hey girlies." She said sitting in the seat across the aisle from them, propping her legs up on the aisle seat, her back resting against the bus walls, so she could face Anne and Daphne.

Haley placed the green purse in her lap and fidgetted through it a bit, grabbing her compact mirror, quickly checking her appearence. She glanced around the bus. Chase in the back with Jason, Alaura and Skye. Oh course, the sluts all conjugated together, except for one. Charlie Wood sat alone almost quiet but she still seemed content. There was Reed, Joey, Jake, and multiple more. The she saw Oscar. She smiled and was about to say hello but decided not to. She slid down a bit to be out of sight behind the height of the chairs. She looked torwards the front of the bus. There was Laura and Eric and the teacher Lance but who was he talking to. He looked so familiar.

"Hey Daphne, Anne." She said, sitting up and leaning in a bit more, "Do we know who that is? He looks outrageously familiar." She asked tucking a wavier strang of dark brown hair behind her ear.

[Reed Turner]

Reed inhaled sharply. Why he told Luke that it would be ok for him to room with Joey for the four days was a mistake. Then again, Reed was known for agreeing for crazy things when he was drunk, and he was pretty sure Luke had called him when he was wasted. "For all you know I could be fucking her now. I'm sorry it irks you that I could have her on her back within a minute." Reed looked at Joey until he walked away. God, this was going to be some of the most difficult days of his life.

He shrugged at her, "Maybe both. I still hard to believe that I'll have to share a room with him. Oh, so now you believe me," Reed said as he flopped down in the seat next to her. He poked her side and smiled at her. "Say I'm right," he laughed and started to tickle her, "I won't stop until you say it."

"Prissy fights? Yeah, but you can't forget his girl-fits. I swear he is either a.) a diva, b.) a drama-queen, or c.) both. It's hard to believe that the two of you are related," he said leaning farther into the seat until he was basically laying on it. He looked back up as Ashley, "Vegas is going to be so much fun."

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[kelseylewington]

She had skipped school the whole day in order to pack, or well, finish packing and the result was three rather large suitcases stuffed to the brim with everything she could possibly ever need, stuffed into the truck and backseat of her black BMW convertible. The top was down, and the newest Fall Out Boy album was playing rather loudly as she pulled into the mall parking lot. The bus was still there, thank god, it would be just like her to show up and have the bus already left, and she smiled to herself, eagerly awaiting the long weekend in the city sin that was to come. She had gone last year as a junior and spent every minute there completely wasted with her friends. It was embarrassing, now that she thought back on it, about how she had thrown up, twice, on the way home, from the amount of alcohol she had consumed. Kels pulled the car into an empty space and hopped out, noticing Luke in the distance.

Somehow she managed to pull the one suitcase out of her backseat, and popped the truck to unload the other two. Kelsey had tried her hardest not to over pack, but like every other girl there, failed miserably. She had a suitcase alone simply for her jeans and skirts. Sure, it was only one weekend, but this was Vegas baby, expect the unexpected, however she was going to be dressed for it.

Pulling the last of her suitcases out, her purse on her arm Kelsey turned to look back where she had spotted Luke before, and noticed he was standing with some random chick. Whatever, it was just a girl and it was only the beginning of the trip. She wasn’t going to let her jealousy get in the way, yet. Grabbing the handles of two of her bags, and keeping an eye on the other one, she wheeled herself on over to Luke and his friend, smiling. “Hey, babe,” she greeted, giving a smile in the direction of the girl. She leaned in and gave Luke a kiss on the cheek. “Watch these for a second for me? Please,”

[/color] she let go of the two handles and hurriedly made her way back to her car, quickly putting the top up and grabbing her third bag.

Coming back up to them, she smiled once again. “So, who's ready for Vegas?”[/color][/size][/color][/blockquote]

[Anne Lévesque]

The look on Jason's face was not unusual, but the way he simply just walked right by Anne confused her a bit. As she waited for Daphne to resettle with her starbucks, she glanced toward the back of the bus where Jason sat very uneasily. What the hell was wrong with him? Was he that pissed? A little stab of guilt hit Anne as she faced forward again. No, Jason never needed sympathy, so she wouldn't give him any. It's a lesson taught to every Lévesque child when they reached the age of four. She shrugged it off and turned back to Daphne again. They don't have cup holders? Anne thought to herself, very surprised, having never been on a Grey Hound [she flew a jet to Vegas last year as a present for being a good daughter]. Her eyes widened, as she looked under the arm chairs of her seat and then in front of her. Only a fold up tray like in airplanes. Nothing else. Anne was screwed without her cup holders. What could a measly tray do for her? Nothing.

Many new people entered onto the bus now. Anne waved back to Chase Stillings, and ex boyfriend of hers as he passed and sat across the aisle from Jason. Then Amanda came on board. Anne quickly felt like sinking in her seat, but would never because of the possible rabies in that seat, and looked over at Daphne. You could almost see Daphne planning some 'black dahlia' type of murder in her head. But the confusing part was, Anne was friends with Amanda as well. Well, as of recently, when Amanda brought over some gorgeous jewelry for a welcome to the Valks type of thing. Anne bit her lip as she gave Amanda a small smile if anything. Damn. Thank god Daphne was changing the subject. Gossip. Anne loved it only a little. But was interested in the new found 'rumor mill' that students were popping online for now 24/7.

"Oh yeah, I heard about that. Do people have nothing better to do that make up silly stories to make us, the victims, more famous around campus than we need to be?" Anne smirked as she saw a new man on the bus. Not too old. Not too young. But something that she hadn't seen before. Not to mention this guy.. whoever he was, sitting next to Reed, was a catch. Was he the new student teacher all the girls had been gossiping about? She shook it from her mind. Little did she know that she'd be on the topic quite a lot. "In addition, a new one has come around that I'm in love with Mark Wood. Who is Mark Wood?" Anne said, finally realizing that she didn't even know whom the man was that everyone said she was in love with and stolen from Kelsey. She shook her head and sighed as a couple moments passed. Then Daphne brought up the question probably 1/3 of the girls on the bus were thinking. Who was the guy next to Reed. It had to be his brother. "I second that. I wouldn't mind getting on that at Vegas." Anne joked, giggling to Daphne.

Too bad her giggling stopped when a certain boy, whom had driven her insane and led her to therapy because of her strange behavior, appeared before them. Oscar Lyon. Anne gulped, but kept her cool as she raised her eyebrow at the jew-fro comedian. But she couldn't. She couldn't look at him. She had so many confused thoughts toward Oscar, that she didn't know how she felt anymore. She knew she owed him a thank you, for saving her. But she wasn't the type to really thank people. They should feel honored to save her. Right? Anne looked at her nails, as if Oscar and Daphne were in their own conversation, and as if it were more polite to just stay out of it. But instead, about one billion thoughts were bouncing around the hair sprayed head of hers. As Oscar made his way back, Anne felt her heart drop, then quickly punched her stomach. Right in front of Daphne. Cover it up. Don't let her know that in fact you're fucking therapist thinks it helps that you punch your stomach anytime you feel anything for anyone of that standard. Save yourself, dammit!

"Damn stomach ache.." She muttered and looked back at Daphne, faking, as if she'd just come from a daze. "Who? Oh Lyon? That doesn't surprise me." Anne said, laughing lightly as she watched Haley make her way to Daphne and Anne. Haley was an interesting girl, but really popped out of no where. Although, she had made quite the impression on Anne, and seemed to actually be intelligent and nice. Anne liked the intelligent part, but didn't trust the nice part. No girl was purely nice. There was always a catch. That was Anne's theory. She smiled as Haley sat next to Anne in the seat across the aisle. Anne looked back over at the mystery man and furrowed her eyebrows. "Coincidentally, me and Daphne were just touching up on that subject. But I promise you I'm going to find out." Anne said mischievously, smiling at Haley and Daphne. Vegas, here we come.

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[faden]

Faden and Laura were seated near the middle of the bus but a bit more forward to avoid the loud and crowded back of the bus. Laura smiled as she pulled out an iPod and offered a headphone to Faden. "You don't have-" Faden began.

"Oh but I do." She said with a small laugh as Faden reached over and placed the headphone into his ear. She scrolled through getting it to the Artist playlist titled Lemon Demon. They are this comedic rock band that she and Eric fell in love with week. His favorite song of theirs was "Kitten is Angry" and laura's had to be "When Robots Attack." really it was the best band in the world. She then settled on The Ultimate Showdown.' This song was an epic battle with the Godzilla, batman, aaron carter, jackie chan, chuck norris, Gandolf, Mr. Rogers and more. Hilarious and a song of true quality.

Faden smiled as it came on, "I love you forever Laura my dear." He said with a grin, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. It was a friendly kiss, nothing to it. Happened all the time. He looked up and saw Emilia and Ben get on the bus. He smiled and waved to both of them, having met Emilia at the ice-skating rink.

Laura turned her head to see who he could possibly be waving to and a smile found it's way onto her face. She propped herself up in her seat. "Hey Ben." She said with a smile. "I hear you got roomed with Faden, I wouldn't worry. He doesn't smell that bad." She said obviously kidding with Faden, who nudged her slightly with his elbow.

[freddy]

Vegas. It wasn't very often that you find a city where it was perfectly normal for someone to get drunk and stoned on a dailey basis. And of course, as soon as Valkyrie Academy found such a city, they flocked to it and made it an anual event. Drama, adventure, and thrills is what came to every student that attended the yearly trip. For some, like Claire, it would be their first, and hopefully not last, time. But for others it would be their second or third, but just as exciting as the first.

Claire's anticipation was running wild as she pulled up into the Valkyrie Mall parking lot in her burnt orange Honda Element. She had already been awake for probably more than any of the students already there, having woken up four or so hours before hand. She had been sitting on her bed for three and a half of those hours, repeatedly checking her bags, checking her outfit two dozen times, and her time more than twice that many. Finally, it came the appropriate hour to leave her house. She'd pulled into the parking lot as fast as the speed limit would allow, and was now sitting in her car, drumming her fingers on the steering wheel and watching as students filed erratically onto the bus.

Eventually, she opened her door and climbed out of her car, taking in a deep breath to calm her tense muscles. This weekend would be fun. She would party, meet new people, and hopefully get to spend the weekend with Elliot, trying to figure out what was really going on in his head. Claire pulled out a tan book bag, slinging it over her shoulder. Located inside the bag you would find what a person might need on a road trip and then some. Books, paper, music, DVD's, an assortment of colored pencils and pens, her camera, and a random amount of change and dollar bills that had been collected there over the past few weeks.

Swinging open the back door of her car, she tugged out her slightly tattered rolling suitcase, watching as people stacked two or three suitcases into the bottom compartment of the bus. Suddenly, she felt a little uncomfortable. Should she just turn around and go home? Maybe this wasn't where she belonged. Woah now...Get a grip. She dictated to herself, shutting her car doors and pushing the lock button on her key ring. With a purposeful first step, Claire moved towards the bus, suddenly calm. See? You can do this.

Putting her bag under the bus, Claire let a few people go ahead of her as she looked around for a moment for Elliot's car. He didn't appear to be here yet, but knowing that he said he would, she figured he would be pulling up fairly soon. Stepping up onto the bus, she was a little surprised at how many people were already there. Finding an empty seat, Claire set her book bag down before sliding in herself. Slipping out a book, she folded herself up to the wall of the bus, flipping it open to her page and reading a little before they got underway.

[leslie]

Through his anger, a smile managed to light Ben's face as he spotted Laura and Faden. He kept it plastered on as he also saw Eric lean over and kiss Laura's cheek. So they were dating. That much became obvious and made another tight knot of anger in Ben's stomach. But he had to be nice, he knew, even if things weren't going his way. So, he sat in the seat in front of the pair, getting on his knees and looking back at them.

"Hey you two." He greeted lightly, and chuckled appreciatively at Laura's comment towards sharing a room with Faden. "That's okay with me. We'll just lock you in the closet if you start to smell too bad, deal?" Ben smiled at the return joke, then looked over their heads to the people behind them. "Looks like a lot of people decided to come this weekend. Not that I'm that surprised. People have been talking about this for weeks." He looked back at them, folding his arm over the seat back. "You guys excited?"[/size]

[faden]

((Sorry, I keep using this accoutn but since Eric is in the scene and I need to get him to 100 for my next charrie and Laura's already at 112))

Faden laughed and nodded, "It's a deal. I like closets." He added with grin that faded a bit as he realized how weird that sounded. Laura was looking at him with a raised eyebrow as well.

"Good to know Faden." She said with a laugh hanging onto her voice. She shook her head and looked back over to Ben, "I know tons have come." She said.

Faden smirked, "I'm simply trying to figure out whether that's a good thing or not."

Laura laughed, "Alright Mr. Pesimist." She said, "Perk up, at the Hotel we're all staying at, Cirque de Soleil is doing the show Mystère-"

"No! Really?" Faden said, taking his headphone out, Laura's had already been disguared."We are so going."

"Of course." Laura said with a nodd. She turned to Ben, "How about you? You got any big plans for viva Las Vegas?" She asked. For some reason she was wondering whether he was spending the weekend wooing some female. She hoped he wasn't but come on, he's a good looking nice guy. He can't not be right? Besides, it's not like he and Laura were together, she shouldn't care. They hadn't even come close. She didn't like him, right?