“You don’t own me! Don’t say I can’t go out with other boys!”

“And don't tell me what to do! And don't tell me what to say! And when I go out with you, don't put me on display!” Liz, Maria and Isabel collapsed into a fit of giggles. They linked arms with each other and began to skip merrily through the school halls. As they neared the front doors where their limousine awaits, the girl’s voices became louder.

The girls sang in chorus, yelling out to the world their light hearts.

“I’m young, and I love to be young! I’m free, and I love to be free! To live my life the way that I want; to say and do whatever I please!” Another outburst of laughs was heard from them.

Max, Michael, and Alex walked a little ways behind the girls. They each had their jackets slung over their shoulder and one of the girl’s purses in their other hand. They couldn’t help but smile at the commotion Liz, Izzy and Maria were making. Girls were laughing at them, not mockingly, but in joy. Those girls looked so happy! Even Ice Princess Isabel Evans was letting it rip.

Guys, on the other hand, stared at their asses and other assets while the girls skipped along. They received three harsh glares from three very protective boyfriends.

“No, no, you don’t own me! You don’t own me! You don’t own me! Forever young and free!” Liz, Maria and Isabel were now outside, twirling underneath each other’s arms.

“Uh, how much alcohol did we give them?” Alex asked Max and Michael, watching the girls continue to sing and dance.

“None,” Max answered.

“Oh, right.” Right then, Maria took the lead and belted out one of the verses. She hopped up on to one of the benches.

“I'm young and I love to be young. I'm free and I love to be free; to live my life the way that I want; to say and do whatever I please!” Liz and Isabel bopped behind Maria, posing as her backup dancers.

“All right, girlies!” Maria turned around, looking at the very flushed backup dancers/singers. “We no longer have any school. We are free, young, beautiful women!” Maria began to address all the women that were outside, staring and watching her.

“You! You are beautiful!” She pointed to a petite brunette who was sitting on a school step outside, beside her friend. Maria then pointed to her friend. “And you too! You are beautiful people! Don’t let people tell you otherwise. Always love yourself and others! Never let people put you down and always smile! A smile wasted isn’t a smile at all!” By this point, Liz and Isabel were cracking up, watching Maria continue on her jovial rant.

“Max, I thought you said she didn’t drink anything,” muttered Michael. He walked over to the bench where Maria was, and looked up at her. Although slightly embarrassed by Maria’s sudden outburst, he couldn’t help but grin and chuckle at her. She was so passionate about things that it made her all the more gorgeous to him.

“C’mere, beautiful,” Michael said, placing her hand in front of her for her to take. She put her hand in his and hopped down from the bench. She threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him. Surprised at first, he hugged her back.

“You think I’m beautiful?” Maria asked, smiling at him.

“Always.” Maria melted and gave him a world-shattering kiss. Michael happily complied. Who was he to complain?

When Maria pulled her lips away, she turned to the girls who were still sitting on the school step. “Hey you guys! One more piece of advice! Always love your boyfriends!” With that, she blissfully strolled back to the group with Michael, where Isabel and Liz were already situated beside their boyfriends.

Max and Alex started applauding Maria’s performance. She took a step and bowed gracefully.

“Thank you, thank you.” She cracked a grin at them.

“Well, Miss Ross, if you’re done singing, we’ll be on our way?” Alex offered, not wanting to give up a good chance to bug her. She smacked his arm playfully.

“I don’t know if I should grace you with my presence any more,” Maria scoffed. Alex rolled his eyes and pushed Maria towards the limo.

The chauffeur of their limousine already had the door opened for them, and Isabel and Alex climbed in. Liz was about to jump in when she heard her name being called from behind her.

“LIZ!” Liz turned around to see who was calling her and she saw Kyle Valenti running towards her. Max and Michael straightened their shoulders. If Kyle wanted trouble, they wouldn’t think twice about giving him some. Liz just rolled her eyes and pushed the two boneheads to the side. She didn’t hate Kyle for being a jerk, and she could understand why he was mad at her for dumping him. She couldn’t and didn’t give him a good reason, because the real reason was a guarded secret.

“Kyle,” she said as he approached her. He looked awkwardly between Max and Michael, a bit anxious about the two. Liz turned to them and said, “Guys, you can get in. This won’t take long.” Michael was about to protest when Maria pushed him inside. Max followed Michael, but not before he gave Kyle a long, cold stare.

“Sorry,” Maria quipped. “We really do have a hard time taking them any where. Take your time, guys.” She gave Liz a wink and climbed into the limo herself. The door clicked close behind her.

“So… Kyle. What can I do for you?” Liz asked. She wasn’t sure why he wanted to talk to her, but by the look of it, it was important.

“I, uh… wanted to dance with you.” Liz stared at Kyle oddly, as if he had grown another head.

“Uh, Kyle, we’re about to leave so-”

“No, Liz! I’m sorry, that didn’t come out right. I wanted to dance with you tonight, but you guys had already left. I wanted to talk to you.” Liz eased up her stare, but was still confused as to why he wanted to talk to her. He hadn’t talked to her for over two years.

“I’m listening, Kyle…”

“Okay, I just want to say I’m sorry-”

“Kyle, it’s ok, you really don’t need to apolo-”

“No, Liz, it’s not ok. Just listen, k? When you left me for Max, I was hurt. I didn’t want to lose you but it was a lost cause. The minute you two met, it was perfect for you guys. And I’m sorry I tried to stand in the way of that for so long. You’re such a special person, and when I was with you, I wasn’t this big, burly jock type. I felt as normal as anyone, and very special at the same time. I hope you can accept my apology, because I really want us to be friends. I don’t want to end up on Maury one day because I was that asshole of a guy that ruined everything. And if I were a good friend, I would have just let you go to Max anyways, instead of holding you back. I want you to be happy, Liz.” Liz smiled genuinely at Kyle, truly touched by his words. She threw her arms around him and gave him a friendly hug.

“Oh, Kyle, of course we can be friends! Always. I know how hard that must have been for you to say that, so thank you. It means a lot to me.” When she pulled back, she took his hands in hers.

“Thank you, Liz. I hope Max knows what a lucky guy he is. And if he doesn’t I’ll be sure to kick his ass.”

“Oh, I think he does,” Liz replied, smiling. “But I have a question. What made you think about all of this after so long?”

“Well, I was talking to someone earlier tonight and he convinced me that you guys were the perfect couple. And it just got me thinking, I guess.” Liz raised her eyebrows in question.

“Adam?”

“Yeah, but don’t tell. I wasn’t supposed to say anything. But after I talked to him, I’m pretty sure he’s your guys’ number one fan.” Liz just nodded. She leaned over and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.

“Thanks Kyle for this. I’m really glad we resolved this. Friends forever?”