After sending out her college applications, Kay spent most of her time studying and texting her friends. She quit all her extra classes, stopped training and never lingered after school. It sucked, because she barely saw Kyle every day. Fortunately, as finals approached and revisions extended into the night, that was no longer an issue.

She was too tired to think about her gloomy punishment and the little visits Kyle made once a week and all the texting was enough. But she had to admit that she strangely missed the times they'd be forced together by Joey and Kelly. Come to think about it, she'd give anything to spend some relaxed time with him.

Joey was actually the only one who wasn't grounded, but he was staying away from Kelly for her own good. Kelly's parents had gone ballistic, even wanted to sue Joey for her injuries. After much negotiations between their parents, they settled, and Joey was to stay away from her. Which made Kelly terribly unhappy.

It was all doom and gloom and the only silver lining ahead was the prom. Thanks mostly to Cecily's persuasive ways, the Oscars theme had won, so Kay and Kelly managed to get one free afternoon to go dress shopping. Unfortunately, Kay's mom came along as a chaperone.

"It's like we're criminals on parole, honestly," Kelly hissed, pulling on a long silk red dress.

"I know it sucks, but they kind of have a point," Kay said, pulling her own emerald green dress on.

It was very uncomfortable and they barely had space in the same cabin, but Kay was sure she couldn't pull any of these over-complicated dresses on and it was either Kelly or her mom. The choice was obvious. Kay still hadn't forgiven her mother for what she'd said over Christmas break and she doubted she ever would.

Their relationship hadn't gotten any better either, especially after the accident. Cassandra claimed Kay was doing it on purpose and wanted to die like William and leave her alone in the world. Kay found that very unfair, but was also aware William would've blown his top and yelled his head off at her. That didn't mean she still didn't miss him and wished he'd come home.

"It was an accident. It wasn't Joey's fault or yours or mine," Kelly continued viciously. "I don't know why we have to suffer for it."

Kay knew Kelly hadn't mentioned Kyle because she thought he had nothing to do with it, not because she thought it was his fault, but it still sounded ominous. Because if Kay were to believe Max, it was Kyle's fault. She still hadn't wrapped her mind around the information, around Max's warning. All she knew was it didn't make her want to stay away from Kyle. Maybe stay a bit closer, have his back when and if he would need her.

She tried her best not to give a name to her feelings for Kyle either because she was a little afraid of what she'd find, and she sure as hell didn't need that type of distraction now. But she wasn't as crazy as to deny that the accident had changed everything. But since they'd silently decided to figure it out at the prom, she focused on their exams. Which were days away.

"Joey got into Dallas," Kelly said all of a sudden, snapping Kay out of her thoughts.

"What, really? He got his letter already?" Kay hadn't, and by the dejected look on her face, neither had Kelly.

Kay hadn't been bothered because most universities waited for their final results before sending out letters, so it was weird that Joey got his even before their exams. It meant he gave them something they really wanted.

"What if I don't get in?" Kelly whispered.

"You will. Your GPA is more than enough for Dallas." Kay nibbled on her lower lip. "Kyle applied to Harvard. And he'll probably get in."

"Harvard?" Kelly asked shocked.

"I applied too, but even if I get in, I won't on full scholarship and I can't afford the tuition."

That troubled her more than anything, because she was afraid Kyle would give up on a potential Ivy League school to go to Dallas with the rest of them. And as much as she wanted that, hoped they'd spend their college years together, away from prying parents, it was stupid, because he was better than Dallas.

Kelly gave her a sideways glance, obviously reading between lines Kay didn't want to. If their relationship was as platonic as they claimed, Kay shouldn't want to be with Kyle more than with the rest of them, but truthfully, she did. Just a little bit more.

"Kay, are you sure..." Kelly started.

"Yes. Dresses now because we still have a lot of studying to do." Kay didn't mean to be so blunt, but she'd heard her mother lurking outside. And no doubt, she popped her head in.

"I found it," she said, handing Kay a silver satin dress on a hangar. "Try it on."

Kay nodded and did what she was told, while Kelly wrestled on the emerald green dress Kay had tried earlier. Her mother had been right. The moment the soft fabric slid down her skin, Kay knew this was the dress.

"It's gorgeous," Kelly breathed, moving out of the way so Kay could have the mirror to herself.

It was. The dress was long and vapory, and the silver brought out Kay's eyes. The neckline came down in waves showing very little cleavage, but no more was needed, because it was backless. It also had a deep cut on the right, in case she wanted to show some leg. She really felt like a movie star. No matter her flaws, her mom had amazing eyes for fashion.

"I love it, Mom," she whispered.

"You'll be the most beautiful girl at the prom," her mom said, clasping her hands together. "Now let's find you some heels." She stepped out of the cabin and went hunting.

"I agree with her." Kelly admired herself in the mirror. "I think I'll stick with this one."

Kay nodded in agreement, because the emerald silk fit Kelly really well.

"So, you and Kyle going together or what?" Kelly asked innocently.

"No. I'm going alone, but will probably be hanging out with Kyle unless he brings a date."

"Kay, come on..."

"Not with my mom so close," Kay whispered.

Kelly nodded and fortunately dropped the subject.

🧩🧩🧩

Like everything in life, finals came and went before Kay could make sense of anything. She did her best during her exams and she hoped it would be enough. In a flurry of studying, writing and dreading acceptance or rejection letters, she didn't even know what she wanted anymore.

Before she knew it, she was sitting at her own graduation, her heart pounding inside her chest, waiting for it to be over, waiting for the evening to come when they'd finally be leaving for prom. But her silver lining was starting to pale as future meltdown got hold of her. She'd laughed at Kelly, but it was the least funny thing ever.

Prom was just for three days. Then what? Their last summer together? Would they even spend it together after everything that had happened? The future was a big blur that only gave her a headache.

She'd gotten into Dallas. The Police Academy there had also called her for physical trials. So had the one in Chicago. She hadn't told anyone this yet, both because she was still shocked and because it didn't feel like something to be shared over texts.

What hurt most was that she couldn't enjoy her graduation with her friends. Not under the watchful eyes of seven pissed off parents. She knew they'd done it to themselves, but it still felt cruel and unfair.

But like all things, that passed too, in a flurry of tossed hats and fake cries and Kay found herself home, packing for the prom. She couldn't get out of the house fast enough. Fortunately, they'd all be meeting at school, so she, Kelly and Joey could actually ride with Kyle and no one would get on their backs about it. She could hardly wait.

A pebble hit against her glass. Kay frowned and hurried to her window. Kyle waved at her. Seeing him sent a weight in her stomach. Now with exams over, they had some talking to do. Was that why he was here?

Either way, she opened the window and motioned for him to climb. He scurried up the garage and she exited on the roof too and sat next to him.

"Hey, how are you?" he asked awkwardly.

"I was packing. I can't wait to leave," she answered.

"What do you think are the chances of your parents coming to your room?"

"Not many. They're expecting me downstairs."

"Good." He leaned over and caught her in a bone crushing hug.

Kay hugged him back and everything suddenly seemed to fall into place. God, she'd needed that so much. Okay, not needed, wanted. And needed. Was it really that bad to need it?

"Much better." He pulled back, smiling and Kay's entire body warmed up. He leaned his head against the wall and looked up, suddenly thoughtful. "I got into Dallas. And Chicago. Both Police Academies, too." He paused for a few seconds. "And I have an interview scheduled for Harvard."

Her stomach clenched, but she also felt strangely happy for him. Because he was brilliant and hardworking, he should get to choose what he wanted to do, where he wanted to go. "That's great, congratulations!" She reached out for another hug. Why did his arms seem like the safest, happiest place on earth? And now it all felt natural again, as if a huge obstacle between them had been removed.

"Thanks. Now spill. I know you have news, I could see it on your face and I've been dying to ask you all day."

"Got into Dallas, too. And got letters from both Academies to come over for physical trials."

Kyle detached her from him and held her at arm's length. She'd never seen him looking so happy in her life.

"That's great!"

Kay grinned and opened her mouth to ask about Harvard, but her mother called her name from downstairs. "Shit. Gotta go. See you in a half an hour." She began to scramble back up the window, but he grabbed her hand, pulled her against him and kissed her on the cheek.

"Yup." He winked and before she could pull herself together, he climbed off her garage and was gone.

🧩🧩🧩

"Finally," Kelly said, cuddling against Joey in the back of Kyle's Ferrari. "I missed this so much."

Kay had to agree. She'd missed it too, being just the four of them, not having to pretend to be angry. Not having to pretend at all. And the news that they'd all gotten into Dallas was a great mood booster. They hadn't decided where they would go, but they still had that option if they decided.

"Me too. Though, damn Kyle, your backseat is tiny," Joey said. "My poor Camaro."

"Hey, at least we don't have anything broken anymore," Kelly pointed out.

"At least we're alive. Damn, I didn't think a car crash could be so traumatizing."

"Oh, did you expect it to be a vacation?" Kyle asked.

"No, but slow down, will you?"

Kyle mocked Joey, but complied. The crash was still a touchy subject and it reminded Kay that she had some thinking and figuring out to do, now that exams and college were out of the way.

But not now. She cuddled in her seat. This was too comfortable and she wanted to enjoy a carefree ride with her friends. She could think later.

🧩🧩🧩

Nostalgia anyone? And are you all excited for prom? You know a lot of delicious drama will ensue! Predictions? Expectations? Desires? Don't keep them to yourselves.

I'm also curious what you think will happen after prom. Will they get one summer together or will I be throwing bricks left and right?

Next chapter title: Drunk and Dangerous (it's probably my favorite chapter)

Thanks so much for reading. Vote, comment, share!