sugar, spice and everything nice.

TWO

"Hi, you're Eulalia, right?"

Lia turned to face the voice. It was Theresa Smith, the head cheerleader of the school. She was a tall, brown-eyed Jamaican girl with dark skin and long, straight, black hair. "Lia," Lia said. "Only Babcia calls me Eulalia when she's mad at me."

Theresa frowned. "Babcia?"

"Grandmother," Lia explained. "We're Polish."

"Oh, that's so cool! Do you speak Polish?" Theresa asked, a spark of interest flaring in her eyes.

Lia nodded. "Yeah, I do. I was born in Warsaw and lived there for twelve years."

"So you've been here in Canada for... five years?" Theresa asked.

Lia did the math quickly, then gave a thumbs up. "Yeah, five years. So, anyway, what's up?"

"Oh, right!" Theresa said. She stuck her hand out. "I'm Tessie. We're partners for biology, so I was wondering if you want to hang out for the assignment."

Lia shook her hand. "Yeah, sure. Come home with me today?" She flushed red. "O-oh, I didn't mean like that, I meant-'

Tessie laughed. "Yeah, sure." She leant close and whispered, "Both are fine."

Lia felt the blush creep up to her cheeks. "Oh. Uh. Um. I-"

Tessie smiled. "See you at the gates after school? I don't have your address."

Lia nodded, speechless. She stared after Tessie as she walked away to talk to Aria.

✣ ✣ ✣

"Hi, Tessie." Lia walked up to Tessie, who was leaning against the school gates in her cheer outfit.

Tessie perked up. "Hey! How far is your house?"

Lia shrugged. "Not far. Maybe a five minute walk, why?"

"I broke my ankle a year ago, and it didn't really heal properly," Tessie explained. "So it hurts if I walk too much."

"Oh. Cool." Lia said, then stuttered out, "I-I didn't mean that it's cool that you broke your ankle. Of c-course it's not cool, I just meant-"

Tessie smiled, and Lia shut her mouth. Tessie laughed, and asked, "You seem nervous. Are you always like this, or is it just me?"

Lia was at a loss for words. It was clearly Tessie that was affecting her, and they both knew it.

Tessie looked behind them to make sure no one could see, then pecked Lia on the lips. She grinned. "That can be our little secret, don't you think?"

Lia put her fingers to her lips slowly, a small smile on her face. She nodded.

The blush didn't leave her face until they reached her front door.

✣ ✣ ✣

Babcia opened the door to two smiling girls. She stood back and welcomed them in. "Czesc, Lia. And who are you?"

Tessie smiled at her. "I'm Tessie. Me and Lia are partners for biology class, so I'm here to work on a project."

Babcia's eyes twinkled in excitement. "My dear, will you stay for dinner? Please, I insist."