" Meghan," she said. " Crying about it won't do anything. " she wasn't the best at giving advice.

Ethan was silent for a moment before saying, "'Kay."

"I guess I should feel honored," she said bitterly. "Scott took the time to personally ruin my life. I bet he's never done that to anyone else. Lucky me, I'm the worlds biggest loser."

"I'll take care of the pet cages and food and such. But we do have to get them home."

" i doubt you're the only one he's ruined. And if you are, then that won't last very long. "

Ethan nodded. "'Kay. I'll take reeeal good care of them," he said, smiling happily

Megan fell silent, planning to hole up in the bathroom until school ended. But, if anyone missed her from class, this would be the first place they'd look. So, she finally gathered the courage to make her way past Lise to the nurse's office and fake a horrid stomachache so she could hide out there.

She smiles down at him. "Good. Then let's get home."

Lise sighed softly and left the bathroom, not following her to the nurses office.

Ethan nodded. "'Kay. Will Daisy be put in a cage? Floppy doesn't like being pushed to the side."

~~Important~~

There were two low voices, talking in furtive tones, just beyond the hallway.

"Don't do anything reckless," warned a low, gravelly voice. "Remember, your duty is to watch the girl. You must not do anything that will draw attention."

"Me?" asked a tantalizingly familiar voice. "Draw attention to myself? Would I do such a thing?"

The lady snorted. "If the entire cheerleading squad turns into mice, Robin, I will be very upset with you. Mortal adolescents are blind and cruel. You know that. You mustn't take revenge, no matter how you feel about the girls. Especially now. There are more worrisome things on the move."

"I've heard the same," Puck muttered. "Dark rumors are stirring. The Courts are restless. Seems like something is out there that has both of them scared."

"Which is why you must continue to be both their shields and their guardian." The nurse's tone turned to chide. "I'm surprised you havent given either of them the mistwine yet. The veil is beginning to lift."

"I know, I know. Im getting to it. I'll take care of it later this afternoon."

"We'll get a cage for her later. But until we've got one for them, she can stay in my room so that Floppy keeps his attention."

"Okay!" That was probably for the best, as while Ethan was a gentle being, he was still just a kid and might hurt the rats.