Note to self:
Okay, Elizabeth, it's a new semester - your last one at Sweet Valley High.
Last chance to pull yourself together.
Last chance to figure out exactly what you want.
And then go for it.

Elizabeth knew she chould just drop it, but she couldn't fight the feeling that Ken knew something . . . maybe something that would make a good story . . . "So anyway, Ken," she said slowly, "you've never heard of coaches pumping kids with steroids or students having to-"
"God, Liz," Ken said with a soft laugh. "What do you think this is? A 7th Heaven episode?"
"Oh, yeah," Jessica grinned. "Liz really identifies with that show. She's so into Matt."
Elizabeth glared at Jessica. "So anyway, Ken-"
But Ken suddenly looked at his watch. "Sorry, Liz, gotta run." He picked up his tray and his backpack and stood up from the table. Maria stood too, but Ken gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Call you tonight," he said. Then he was gone.
They all looked at Maria, who slowly sank back down in her chair.
"Hey," Elizabeth said, "sorry if I said something wrong, Maria."
Maria shrugged. "It's okay. You know how those teams are - they have their code of honor and all that."
Elizabeth smiled at her but couldn't help wondering how she could stand such a touchy boyfriend. Conner had been touchy too - well, that was an understatement. Elizabeth was so glad not to have to deal with that kind of thing anymore. She had to admit her new attitude was a nice change. She only had to worry about herself now, and she liked it that way.