"Um... did I miss something here?"

I looked up at Aspen, who was holding her lunch tray and staring at me like I had three heads. None too subtly, she nodded toward Olivia, who was sitting next to me at our lunch table. "We're friends now," I informed her.

"Acquaintances," Olivia corrected.

I forced a smile at Aspen. "It's a long story, don't ask."

"But... what about all those things she did?" Aspen demanded, taking a seat across from me, turning narrowed eyes to the blonde on my left.

"Just the moves of a jealous jackass," I responded offhandedly.

Olivia shot me a brief glare, but it didn't have much power behind it. "I apologized."

"You did. Doesn't mean I forgive you yet," I said simply. "You got Elliot beat up."

Her face flushed red in embarrassment. "I didn't tell them to do that... They went further than I expected. I didn't mean—"

"Don't explain to me, explain to Elliot," I interjected.

She shrunk a little in his seat. "What if he punches me?"

"Then you deserve it."

"You're a bitch."

"So are you."

Aspen, who was watching this little exchange with a blank expression, grew incredulous. "You guys have a dangerous friendship."

"Acquaintanceship," Olivia and I amended.

"Right... so what did you buy with the prize money?" Aspen questioned, turning her attention to me. "A new car?"

Olivia stiffened beside me. I shrugged casually. "Nah, my mom took it to put in a bank account for college."

"What? That sucks!"

"Whatever, it's fine," I responded, catching Olivia's eye. She sent me a grateful look.

"Huh. I have one more question."

I nodded. "Go ahead."

"What made you two become friends? You'd think Allie winning the competition would cause Olivia to hate you more," Aspen reasoned, not unreasonably.

"Paul," I explained with a grimace. "You know how he is."

Aspen laughed. "Attractive and persuasive?"

I grinned, but decided not to comment on it. Her response was pretty accurate. "Just pressuring."

"So basically, what I said."

Rolling my eyes, I turned back to my lunch and picked at my ham and cheese sub. "Where's Elliot?"

"Outside, like usual," Aspen responded, nodding toward the door. "Don't know why. It's freezing."

I glanced at the courtyard entrance and immediately made eye contact with Kyle. He smiled cautiously at me and I smiled back. Then his eyes went to Olivia, and widened comically.

"Crap," she muttered, ducking her head.

"What?" I asked.

Kyle was making his way over and Olivia didn't answer. "Hey Allie, Aspen, Olivia."

"Hi," Aspen and I chorused.

"Hello," Olivia responded in a quiet voice.

Kyle smiled warmly at her. "This is a surprise. You two sitting together."

"Life comes with surprising twists," I told him, shrugging. "Though it must be awkward for you two."

"Why?" he asked.

I grinned. "Oh, you know, just because you two worked together to try to get me to quit the competition. Don't you guys feel foolish now?" To my delight, both Olivia and Kyle turned a deep red. And because I couldn't resist, I continued. "Not to mention the fact you actually ended up liking me and couldn't continue, Kyle."

Kyle cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well... you're a unique person. I apologized for my actions, anyway."

"Everyone here is so messed up," Aspen stated, shaking her head.

"Well, Kyle only did it because he was in love with Olivia."

If looks could kill, I'd be dead ten times over by the look Kyle was giving me. "Allie—"

"But it's really Olivia's fault, for using you."

Now it was Olivia's turn to glare at me. "I hate you."

"Hey, you guys harassed me for months. I get to get back at you guys, at least a little," I told them, narrowing my eyes. "Especially you, Kyle. You're a grown man."

He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "You're right. I know."

Nodding, I pushed my tray at him. "Okay, good. Now go dump this for me."

"Okay," he mumbled, taking it and heading toward the trash cans.

Aspen gave me an impressed look. "Nice."

"Don't say I don't bare grudges," I responded with a grin. "Sorry, Olivia."

"Whatever," she muttered.

"And Olivia will take it, because she's still repenting," I told Aspen. Life was good. If only this had happened two months earlier. Olivia actually wasn't that bad when I could make fun of her and she couldn't say anything back.

Aspen chuckled. "I'll remember not to get on your bad side."

"I know. I've got to talk to Elliot though, so I'll see you in English," I told Aspen, standing up from the table. "Olivia, come with me."

She frowned. "Why?"

"Just come. Bye, Aspen."

"See you!" she said, waving.

Olivia reluctantly followed me out of the cafeteria, and into the cold courtyard. I located Elliot easily, heading over to the spot where we usually sat. As soon as he saw me, he glared. "What?"

"Always with the front," I responded wearily. "I need to ask you something."

"What?"

"Are you hiring at the diner?"

Olivia gave me a panicked look. "Allie!"

"It's fine, Elliot's a good guy," I told her. "Right, Elliot?"

Elliot gave Olivia and I a suspicious look. "Since when are you guys friends?"

"Long story," I said dismissively. "Just yes, or no."

"Yes," he told me, frowning. "Why?"

"Olivia needs a job. Don't ask why."

Turning toward her, his frown grew deeper. "Why her?"

"I'll explain later," I told him. "Can you just get an interview for her?"

He scowled. "Maybe. I don't know why I should."

I elbowed Olivia in the side.

"I'm sorry about what I did to you," she apologized automatically. "Really. You don't have to forgive me, but I guess I should say it."

"Whatever."

Olivia looked offended and I grinned. "Just take it."

"But—"

"I'll ask my Grandma," Elliot told me. "But I can't assure she's going to get a job. I bet she hasn't even worked a day in her life."

Olivia straightened out. "I have too."

"Yeah?" Elliot challenged.

"Yeah."

"Where?"

"The convenience store down the street from my house."

"For how long?"

Her confidence shrank a little. "Well, it was only temporary, I was just trying it out..."

Elliot rolled his eyes. So, not for long."

"Just set up the interview," I interjected, giving Elliot a hard look.

He sighed. "Whatever."

"Okay, we're going back inside then. Lunch ends in about two minutes, Elliot."

"Yeah, yeah."

Once inside, Olivia glared at me. "I don't want a job," she said petulantly.

"Yeah, well your family has no money, right?"

"Yeah, but—"

I nodded. "Then you need to get a job an help out. 'Sides, s'not so bad at the diner. You make great tips."

Olivia wrinkled her nose, but dropped the conversation. "Whatever. You work there? Are you working tonight?"

"Nope. I've gotta date."

"A date?" she echoed.

"Mhm," I replied, and refused to say more.

*

After school, I waited for Paul by his car so he could give me a ride home. He came through the side door looking weary— probably because the whole class was still grumpy about my winning the competition they all entered in. But whatever, none of them said anything. And besides, nothing could ruin my good mood. Tonight was date night with Paul.

When Paul caught sight of me, he smiled, walking a little quicker. "Want a ride home?" he asked rhetorically.

"No, I just thought I'd walk alongside your car," I responded teasingly.

"Well, if you want to," he said with a grin. Then he gestured toward the passenger door. "Hop in, it's unlocked."

I frowned at him and lifted the door handle, finding it really was unlocked. "Paul, you really need to learn to lock your stuff up."

"Why?"

"Because one day someone is going to steal from you," I promised him, slipping onto the leather seat. "And it'd be a shame to see this car go."

Rolling his eyes, he buckled his seat belt, motioning for me to do the same. "No one knows where I live, and I doubt anyone here knows how to hotwire a car. I don't have any possessions in this car anyway."

"Still," I protested, but silently resigned myself. I'd been telling him that for four months and he still didn't listen. "Where are we going tonight?"

"Wherever you want," he said.

"I want you to choose. You know the area better."

Grinning again, he shook his head. "No I don't. You know I only eat from Miss Flo's."

"Well we aren't eating there. Elliot's working tonight and yeah, that'd be awkward."

"Because he loves you," Paul said in a baby voice.

I raised my eyebrows. "No?"

"I just assumed because you're the only one he really talks to. Aspen on occasion."

"I'm just a likable person."

Paul dipped his head in agreement. "True."

"So where are we going?"

"On the Border?" he suggested, pulling of the school parking lot. "If you like Mexican."

I grinned. "I love Mexican."

"Me too."

"What do you think our parents' would say if we told them we were going out on a date?" I asked.

Paul grimaced. "Well, judging by the dirty looks Chris was giving me, I think he knows something is up."

"My mom too," I admitted, remember the dinner two nights before. Fortunately, Olivia had been there, so neither my mom or dad could say anything about it. But my dad kept giving me these evil knowing looks, which had been very disconcerting

"Well, we'll wait and see how things go," Paul responded, pulling into his driveway. "Who knows? We might end up just hating each other."

I laughed. "Maybe."

"But let's hope not, because there's still five more months of school left," he continued, making a face. "That'd be awkward. Anyway, I have a few errands to run, so I'll be back later."

"Sure," I responded, sliding out of the car. "See you later."

Later was longer than I expected. By the time Paul arrived home, it was nearly seven o'clock. I was already showered, and ready to head out, dressed in a black fashion jacket, red tank top, and pair of light blue skinny jeans. Paul burst into the house like a whirlwind, letting out a breathless apology, and shoving a bouquet of flowers at me racing up the stairs. Seconds later I heard the shower running.

"Thanks," I said to the air, smiling down at the bouquet of tulips. The flowers were a nice surprise, but I thought they suited Paul's personality.

By the time I found a vase and put the flowers in it, Paul was downstairs again, looking exceptionally handsome in tight straight leg jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. "Sorry, ready to go?" he asked brightly. "You look cute."

"You look bad-boyish," I told him, grinning. It was true. But he pulled the look off perfectly.

Ignoring my comment, he tossed me his keys. "You can drive."

"Best date ever," I responded, catching them easily. "We're taking the highway."

When we arrived at the restaurant, Paul was pale in the face. "You do realize," he began slowly, climbing out of the car on shaky legs, "the speed limit on the highway is sixty-five miles per hour, right?"

I shrugged. "I didn't get pulled over."

"Who taught you how to drive?"

"My dad, why?"

He nodded solemnly. "That explains a lot of things."

"It does?"

"Yeah, your dad used to take out my dad's Mercedes for special occasions. Said he drove it like a maniac. So I can see where you learned to drive expensive cars recklessly."

I smiled sheepishly. "Hey, I was only doing twenty over..."

Paul rolled his eyes and grabbed my hand, tugging me into the restaurant. "Still, that's a pretty hefty speeding ticket."

"Good thing I'm pretty and can talk myself out of one."

Paul glanced at me with a raised eyebrow. "Is that what you think?"

I playfully kicked at his shin. "Oh, shut up."

On the Border was a lively restaurant, filled with extravagant smells and traditional Mexican music. Not exactly the best date scene, but the food was good, so I figured it was okay. Our waiter, a handsome young man called Tony, led us over to one of the booths against the back wall, where the music was a little quieter. After taking our drink orders (water, because it went best with spicy food), Tony disappeared, leaving us alone.

Or at least as alone we could get in a busy restaurant.

"It is busy," I said aloud, startled.

Paul raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"What if someone sees us?"

He shrugged. "So they see us."

I frowned. "You seem nonchalant about that."

"Should I be worried about something? Do you have an ex-boyfriend that would beat me up if he saw us together?"

"No," I started, rolling my eyes, "I was thinking more along the lines of faculty noticing."

He grinned. "I'm just a substitute, and you know how lenient the school is."

"This school is so messed up," I responded, but grinned nonetheless. "But I'm glad I transferred."

"I'm glad you did too."

I laughed. "Really? If I wasn't around, I bet you'd be dating another cute girl."

Paul made a face. "Nah. No one knows me for me, you know? They know my name, what I look like, and a few people even know what hospital I was born at, which is weird... but not the point. It's hard to know if they like me because I'm Paul Russet, or because I'm Paul."

"I like you because you're Paul," I told him needlessly.

He smiled. "I know. It's impossible for you not to know me... but you do, and somehow you even like me enough to go on a date with me."

"W-well, you know," I stammered, suddenly feeling embarrassed. "Maybe I'm tricking you. Maybe I'm just leading you on to gold dig."

"That's why you have a job, right?"

I grinned. "Right."

"Though I will admit, you seemed more into Kyle than you did into me when you were... what would you call it? Dating? Seeing?"

"Wasting my time?" I suggested.

Paul chuckled. "Sure."

"I did like him," I told Paul, feeling a little sheepish. "I was an idiot though."

Frowning, Paul shook his head. "You weren't an idiot. I mean, I'm a guy, and I still think he's attractive."

"That wasn't the only reason I liked him, Paul," I said, rolling my eyes. "He was sweet and... yeah..." It was a bit awkward to talk about Kyle to Paul.

"When did you realize you liked me? As more than a friend?" Paul asked, sounding curious.

I stared down at the menu. "Um, well I've always liked you. I mean, you're really cute and nice, but I figured you were out of my league. And then when you punched Kyle..."

"Ah," Paul responded in a knowing tone. "You're into violent guys."

"No!"

"Kidding," he said with a chuckle.

I mock glared at him. "I figured if you cared about me enough to punch your friend, we might have a chance together. And you're always complimenting me, so... I wanted to give it a shot."

"I'm glad you did, because I wasn't sure if you'd want to, so I refrained from saying anything," Paul admitted with a half-smile. "And I figured maybe you'd want someone closer to your age, like Elliot."

"Elliot and I are just friends," I promised him. "I think we argue too much to have a relationship. And you're only two years older than me, Paul. I think we're okay with age. And you know what? My parents have a five year age gap, so who cares?"

Paul grinned. "Glad you're so for a relationship."

"I really do like you, Paul," I said, my cheeks flushing when I realized how serious I sounded.

"I like you too, Allie cat," he replied, leaning over the table toward me. "So do you want to be my girlfriend?"

I kept my features schooled, trying not to show too much reaction to his question. But really, my heart skipped a few beats because even though this was obviously a date, that had been a little unexpected. "What? No way!"

Taken aback, he froze, eyes wide. After a second, he swallowed, quickly looking away from me. "Oh. Uh... I..."

"Yeah... you just made this awkward," I informed him, grimacing.

"I thought... Jesus," he muttered, completely red in the face. "But you..."

Breaking out into a broad grin, I reached across the table and tapped on his forehead. "Just kidding, Paul. Do you want to be my boyfriend?"

"Always the joker," he breathed in relief before giving me a disapproving look. "That wasn't funny. I actually thought you were serious."

I grabbed his hand and held it tightly. "These days people don't ask. They just kiss and assume. I thought it was refreshing."

"Good thing I'm so polite."

Tony chose that moment to return with our drinks and to ask for our orders. Not wanting to make him wait any longer, I pointed at something randomly.

"What do we tell our parents though?" I wondered. "Or more specifically, my dad."

Paul put his hands up in defense. "I'm not telling him."

"What? Why not?"

"He'd probably beat me up. Have you seen his muscles?"

I frowned, tilting my head to the side questioningly. "Why would you think that?"

"I'm a guy... now dating you... and living in the same house. And you're Daddy's Little Girl."

"I am not," I countered stubbornly.

Paul sighed. "Yes, you are. What have I got myself into?"

"We won't tell them," I decided.

"Yeah, they'll just find out one day and it'll be ten times worse."

I stuck my tongue out at him. "It'll be fine. Trust me."

"I'll trust you," he resigned, putting his elbows on the table and placing his chin into it. "But I won't lie if my parents ask."

"This is okay, isn't it?" I questioned, feeling a little anxious. "You're okay with this, right?"

"Of course!" he said quickly. "No, I'm fine with this. Let's just... see how things go, okay?"

I nodded, smiling again. "Okay."

"But since we're dating now, you have to do my laundry. Now I don't care if you separate my tightie whities from my teddy bear boxers."

And suddenly I was picture Paul in nothing but a pair of teddy bear boxers.

This was going to be difficult.

___________

Mmmmmmmm not satisfied again. Why can't I write this story the way I want to anymore. It's so frustrating. but I still hope you guys like it :s

There's a link to my fanpage on facebook in the external link if you want to like it :D