How Green Becomes Wood

"Oh," Claire replied, surprised and trying valiantly not to show it. After pausing for a few seconds, she said, "Well, I'm glad things are doing much better for you both, now, and that you aren't at risk of being expelled."
 
"Me too," Alec said. "It turns out, Xander is pretty good at numbers! No one would have expected it."

"No one believed it, either, especially the math teacher," Xander grumbled.

Alec leaned toward Claire and told her, "His math teacher thought he was cheating because of how fast his grades rose."
 
"Oh no, that's terrible!" Claire gasped, covering her mouth with one hand. "I don't know why some teachers always have to assume the worst of people."

"It gives them something to do," Sloan suggested.
 
"I can't wait," Sloan admitted, "I mean, it's terrifying, but I think it'll be really good for me. And I'll be able to do so much."

"I'm so happy for you," Claire said, leaning against her friend, "You're going to be so healthy when you're not living with your mom anymore."
 
"Just be careful not to go crazy with all that freedom you have," Alec warned worriedly. "Give yourself time to think about any decisions that might be permanent. Or have a big impact."

"But otherwise have all the fun you can," Xander said with a smirk.

"And be safe!" Alec said, sounding a little choked up.

Xander glanced at him. "She's not leaving yet, you know."

"I know, but now I'm thinking about the future," Alec sighed.
 
"I know you won't be far, but you'll be busy building a new life," Alec pointed out.

Xander grunted. "Oh, relax. She'll stay in touch because she knows that if she doesn't, we'll show up on her doorstep."
 
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