It is far better to be alone than to wish you were.

2. "Hey there, Mere," Chandler smiled at his girlfriend as she approached The Hut. He reached out for her hand then twirled her around, "How is my love doing today?" With a smile, "Fine," was Meredith's answer.

3. As she spun around towards him, he looked at her, "I love you." Meredith's eyes were wide, "I love you, too!" She replied eagerly. She'd been waiting for him to say this, and it meant an engagement ring was probably just around the corner. "Would you like to accompany me to dinner then, Miss Shaw?" Chandler smiled at her. She nodded happily.

4. They arrived at Red's Diner not half an hour later.

5. When they were seated the table wasn't a buzz with chatter like usual with these two. It was mostly Meredith staring at Chandler and giggling and Chandler smiling a bit awkwardly when she did this. The silence continued when the waiter came with their food.

6. "Well, you sure finished that fast," Chandler chuckled when he saw that Meredith had already finished her omelet. She nodded, then interlocked her fingers and placed her hands on the table, as if waiting for something. Chandler finished his meal and then sat awkwardly for a few moments, feeling Meredith's eyes watching his every move. Finally, he heard a song he recognized play on the jukebox and asked her to dance.

7. The couple glided across the dance floor for a few moments before Meredith looked into Chandler's eyes and giggled. "What?" Chandler asked, he was finding her giddiness a little unnerving. "Nothing. Nothing... I love you Chandler." "Er, I love you, too, Meredith." Eventually the song ended and Chandler had to get home to work on one of his class assignments. He drove her home and contemplated why Meredith was acting so out of character lately.

8. ~-~ Click.

10. Dear Mom, Have you talk to Ava or Emily lately? I haven't been able to get a hold of them since I arrived at LFT. I know you let them stay behind at LU and all, but seriously. Don't tell anyone this, but I'm pretty sure Ethan misses Ava like crazy. I would say it's a twin thing, but I'm not all that bothered about not seeing Emily. Do you know what a relief it is to not share a room with that girl? But seriously. Could you maybe just give them a subtle hint to, oh, I don't know, ANSWER OUR EMAILS? Typing doesn’t take too much effort.

11. Anyway, Ethan and I are both hard at work. We both passed our freshman exams with flying colors and all that. Have I mentioned it's weird for Ethan and I to be in the same year, even though he's my older brother?

12. Speaking of Ethan, you remember that spiky-haired girl I told you about? I gave her a makeover so now she's no longer spiky-haired girl. Her name's Danielle, and she is probably the sweetest person I have ever met. Whatever it is that she sees in Ethan is beyond me.

13. As for me? Well, I was invited out on an outing the other night and met a bunch of new people.

14. Don't worry, we went out to Midnight Flows and had some innocent fun. None of that crazy partying for me, thanks.

15. Love you always, Tiff P.S. Ethan's been checking out prices on off-campus housing like you recommended. If we save up our money, or you, you know, send us some, we should be able to move out of these dorms once the term is over.

16. ~-~-~ Elsewhere on LFT’s campus, Chandler was wandering through the hallways of The Hut, looking for his textbooks that always seem to be “accidentally” misplaced and found a pleasant surprise. "Lydia!" Chandler stopped dead in his tracks.

17. "Wow, long time no see. How've you been?" He asked as he gave her a big hug. Lydia smiled and nodded, "Good, good, what about you? You haven't gotten taller have you?" Lydia asked, looking up at him. "It's completely possible. Did you grow your hair out?” "You noticed," she smiled shyly. "Of course I did," he beamed, then his whole face lit up when he got a great idea, "You know what we should do?” "I have a feeling I do," she said as she followed him out to the porch.

18. "This is the clock up on the wall, This is the story of us all, This is the first sound of a newborn child, Before he starts to crawl,” "This is the war that's never won, This is the soldier and his gun, This is the mother way to buy, The fall, praying for her son,"

19. "Pictures of you, pictures of me, Hung up on your wall for the world to see, Pictures of you, pictures of me, Remind us all off what we used to be," "There is a drug that cures it all," "Blocked by the governmental wall," "We are the scientists inside the lab," "Just waiting for the call,"

20. "The earthquake weather has got me shaking, Inside I'm high up and dry, Pictures of you, pictures of me, Hung up on your wall for the world to see, Pictures of you, pictures of me, Remind us all of what we used to be..."

21. -~-~- "Aw! You are too cute!" Sky cuddled the newborn kitten she'd just named Scout.

22. "They sure are adorable," Hailey agreed as she picked up Taylor, the only male in the three-kitten litter.

23. Brendan smiled as he bent over to pick up Camper, "Too bad we can't keep all of them.” "Aw, please dad? Please, please, please?" Sky begged, even though she knew it was pointless. "Sky, there is not one thing on this planet that can convince me that seven cats in one house is a good idea," Brendan said as sternly as was possible for him. He turned to see his daughter was trying to hide a pout, "But I suppose you can pick which one we keep.” Sky smiled and inspected all three kittens, finally deciding on Scout. She carried the kitten to the back porch where all of the cat toys were.

24. "Hey cutie," Skylar said, tickling Scout's stomach a few minutes later on the back porch.

25. "You know, Scout," Skylar teased the kitten as it batted at her fingers, "you and I, we're both growing up without our siblings. It's kinda scary, don't you think? Your best potential relationships are so far away, and it's going to be hard to survive without them."

26. "Well, maybe not for you. You probably think 'Less competition for food!' or something like that. But those nights when you're looking for a little advice, the kind you can only get from your siblings, but they're away at college and don't want to hear from their sister... Those are the nights you'll miss them. Even if one of them didn't even really care if you existed in the first place. Especially if the other is the only person you feel you can trust," Skylar set the kitten down, "I bet I should probably get you a collar."

27. -~-~- "One cat collar?" The cashier said brightly as he looked at the customer's item in hand. "Yes, that's all," Skylar said, equally brightly. It was a nice change of pace for someone to treat her so warmly. Her green skin doesn’t usually warrant a bright response from most people.

28. "That'll be," Blair looked up and made eye contact with his customer, his eyes then fell back to the register awkwardly, "uh, five simoleans." Skylar forced herself to keep the smile on her face as she handed him the money. She should be used to this treatment by now. Even if she did live in Strangetown. Who cares if the alien population here is greater? The prejudice still exists.

29. She walked out of the store in silence. She got no "Have a nice day!" or “Come again soon!” like the customer before her did. She got no warm smile. Heck, even the animals behind the glass didn't jump excitedly as she passed them by. She rubbed the back of her neck after she felt a raindrop graze it, then went ahead and hurried home, not wanting to get caught in one of the downtown area’s famous surprise showers.

30. -~-~- "Daniel," Chandler's voice was stern when he approached his friend the following afternoon, "Can I talk to you?” "Mm, sure, just a sec'," Daniel expertly hit a few buttons on the controller. He was just about to beat his own high score and wasn't about to let himself be interrupted. "Just hit the pause button," Chandler commanded, not in the mood to be particularly patient. Daniel did as he was told, then looked up, "What's up?” Chandler rubbed his temples, "I don't exactly want this to be overheard. Care to join me on the roof?"

31. Both college kids had stiff posture as they sat on the roof of The Hut. Each knew that this space was only used for serious conversations and both were equally uncomfortable. "Er," Daniel shifted awkwardly, "Can we switch seats? I don't feel safe this close to the edge of the building." Chandler nodded, he was somewhat caught up in his own thoughts, "Sure."

32. "Thanks," Daniel said quickly and sighed with relief, then let an awkward pause hang in the air for a moment before asking, "What's up?" Chandler looked at him, not saying anything for a moment, "Daniel, I'm worried about you. I know that you and Cherry were serious, and I respect that, but-"

33. "Look, Chandler," Daniel interrupted hastily, "This is not a subject I really want to talk about. Cherry... Cherry was it for me. She was, you know, 'The One.' I mean, how do you get over that? She was something special, Chandler. She was constantly in my head. She still is. I don't think you get that, Chandler. I mean, I know you and Meredith are serious. You've been seeing her for a while, but I don't think you know what it's like for the person you're totally in love with to just up and leave you."

34. Chandler blinked, but didn't dare interrupt.

35. "Do you have any idea what it's like for the person you want to spend every moment with just abandon you?"

36. "The person who makes you laugh when you thought you'd never laugh again,”

37. “Who'd never leave you sight if it were your choice,”

38. “Who you imagine spending the rest of your life with,”

39. “Just... leave you behind?"

40. "Yes," Chandler said flatly.

41. "Yeah?" Daniel said skeptically, "Then you know exactly why I would feel guilty for leading any one else on." Daniel shook his head, "I'm heading off to bed. And if you knew what was good for you, so would you. Classes start early, after all. Night."

42. Chandler watched as Daniel stood up and walked inside.

43. As soon as he heard the door click shut he tipped his chair back. A million thoughts flooded his brain, including the ones he'd been trying to hold back. Why are you leading Meredith on like this? Isn't Lydia the one you love? Every time you're with Meredith you imagine it's Lydia. Just dump Meredith and get on with it already. But could you do that to Meredith? She's such a nice girl. She's everything you could see yourself with, plus she's totally nuts about you...

44. He loved Meredith. He really, truly did. But Lydia... Lydia was everything Meredith wasn't and more. She was so perfect. She was just... Perfect. But Meredith, Meredith was reliable. Who's to say that Lydia wouldn't just skip town again? Who's to say that Lydia even liked him? Meredith was sweet and predictable, but Lydia... Lydia was more.

45. Chandler’s chair hit the railing with a metallic ring and it brought him back to Earth. He had to set things straight.

46. ~-~-~ "Hey Gear, what's going on?" Skylar smiled as she pulled out a chair and sat across from Gearston. "Nothing, Little Miss. How was your day today?” After a moment’s pause he added, “You look nice.”

47. ”Thanks I’m just trying something different," she looked uncomfortable. “And I’m okay.” "Are you enjoying Strangetown High?" "Um... As much as I would any other school, I think,” Skylar shook her head, “I’m not sure I like this whole ponytail and dress thing, will you cut my hair, Gearston?” She attempted to change the conversation.

48. Gearston wasn’t falling for it, "Then you are not considering transferring to Sim City Prep this year?" "I didn't say that." "Well, your father and I would like to know your decision."

49. "It's not that easy, Gearston," Sky looked at the table, "It's not like I can just, switch schools without any repercussions. This sort of decision requires lots of thought." ”I am sorry Skylar, your father and I thought you had been considering this the whole school year. We thought this amount of time would suffice."

50. "Yes!" Skylar finally blurted, startling Gearston. "I'm sorry, Skylar, but yes what?" "Yes, I want to go to Sim City Prep." Gearston processed this for a moment, "Would you care to share why with me, Little Miss?"

51. There were lots of reasons Sky could give Gearston. Perhaps the feeling of being ostracized, or the constant mocking, or the lack of challenging classes, but she simply said, "No, Gearston. I would rather not," and went to her room to get ready for bed.

52. -~-~- Chandler and Lydia just finished wrapping up their rehearsal for the day when Chandler began rambling, "I think we're doing excellent, Lyd. I mean, we've got a few shaky notes, but those'll all be ironed out by the time competition rolls around, so we're good. I think we'll win. Wouldn't that be cool, if we win? I mean, we've been practicing for so long. I think we deserve to win, I mean-" "Chandler," Lydia interrupted. "Yes?" He asked sheepishly.

53. "What's up with you?" Lydia crossed her arms, “You sound like an idiot, babbling like that. What’re you so nervous about?” "Uh..." Chandler blanked for a moment, "Uh... Yeah! I'm so nervous about the contest! Duh!” Lydia lifted an eyebrow, "You really expect me to believe that?” Chandler blinked, "No.” "Just tell me what's bothering yo-"

54. "I have a girlfriend!" Chandler blurted helplessly.

55. Lydia took a moment to register that exclamation. Her face dropped for a moment, then she laughed, "Of course you do." Chandler rubbed the back of his neck, "I have a girlfriend," he repeated softly. Lydia shook her head, "Hey, don't look like that. We're obviously nothing more than friends, so it's not like you cheated on her..." She looked at the ground for a moment before concluding, "Don't feel guilty." It was said more to herself than him. And with that, Lydia showed herself out.

56. Chandler found himself collapsed on the bench-chair, just as he had when Lydia left him before. However this time he didn't look up, hopeful and entertaining philosophical thoughts. No, this time he placed his elbows on his thighs, nursed an oncoming headache, and looked down, disappointed and criticizing himself. He knew it was the right thing. He had to stay loyal to Meredith... Didn’t he?

57. "Hey, it's me. Can you come over here? I have something I need to talk to you about."

58. Less than an hour later Chandler has his arm draped around Meredith as they sat on the bench. Meredith seemed giddy with anticipation for something Chandler couldn't figure out.

60. Chandler shook himself. He was with his girlfriend. He shouldn’t be imagining Lydia. Or her smile. Or her perfume. "What's wrong?" Meredith asked. When Chandler shook his head instead of responding, she nuzzled his neck, "I love you."

62. "Gah!" Chandler let out a frustrated yell as he hopped off the bench.

63. "Are you okay?" Asked a slightly disturbed Meredith. "Yes! No... I'm fine, I just-" He put his hands to his head, trying to stop his thoughts from returning to Lydia.

64. "Here, come here, just let me-" “Stop! Don’t touch me. Just… Don’t." Chandler groaned and dodged Meredith's outreached hands.

65. Meredith's brow furrowed, ”What’s wrong? Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?”

66. "No!" Chandler sputtered, ”You didn’t do anything wrong. I just- I just don't... I can't... Meredith, I'm sorry, but I can't..."

67. "Whoa, whoa, whoa, you're not... About to break up with me, are you?" ”Um..." Chandler stared at her for a moment.

68. "Stop, you can't. You CAN'T be breaking up with me. I- You- We were going to get MARRIED and I was going to live with you in your huge house and we were going to live happily ever after and... You CAN'T break up with me! You can't!” "Meredith, I-” She raised her hand to slap him, then changed her mind, "Just stop, Chandler. Have fun with the floozy you're dumping me for.” "But-” "Save it!" She shouted, "I don't want to hear it."

69. And with that, and a running start, Meredith attempted to jump over the fence, not able to bear facing Kevin or his girlfriend. However she tripped and fell to her knees. "Are you-" Chandler began to ask. "I'm FINE," Meredith fumed. As if she wasn’t embarrassed enough.

70. "Just so you know, Chandler's sister is an alien. And that better not be a problem, or else your face will have problems, 'kay? Grrr." --- So that's all for this installment. Onward!