Matt

Over the next few days, it became a routine for me to sit with the girls at lunch. I had always been labeled as a loner because I tended to stay quiet and keep to myself with only my books for company. I had been teased for it, amongst other things, all throughout elementary and middle school and as a result, didn't have any friends so it actually came as a relief when Addison called out for me to sit with them on that first day. She saved me from having to wolf down my lunch at an empty table before spending the rest of the period holed up in the library. Not that I would have minded too much. I was obsessed with reading and libraries had always been somewhat of a sanctuary to me after my mom died when I was real little. I found that getting lost in a good book was the perfect distraction.

However, now it appeared that I had myself a different distraction in the form of one mysterious brunette and her outspoken friend with the pretty green eyes. I found myself actually quite liking them both and was amazed that I didn't balk at their company like I tended to do with most others. Maybe it was because they were actually nice to me. I kept waiting for the day though when I would set my tray of food down at their table as they broke out into giggles and confess the whole thing had been a prank so could I please leave them alone, but that day never came. There had to have been some catch though.

I quickly caught on that Addison was quite popular and adored by her classmates so I couldn't fathom why she chose to have lunch with Matt, the boy that was regarded as a wimp and a loser because he couldn't keep it together and had cried nearly every day for the first couple of years after his mom had passed. She tended to be blunt so I knew if she had an opinion on me, it should have come out by now.

Regardless, I still found myself thinking that she was cool and fun to be around. It didn't hurt either that she was really pretty but she was a flirt and had most of the boys in the freshman and sophomore class wrapped around her finger so a guy would do well to stay away from any kind of romantic entanglement with her. She was out to break hearts. Not that I would have gone after her anyways. She was too girly and high maintenance for my taste. She wore bright clothing, thought of glitter as its own color, and nearly cried when she broke a nail opening a can of coke.

Vanessa was nothing like that. She was far more reserved and seemed like she was contemplating every thought before she spoke it. And when she did speak, she had an intelligence about her that left me hanging on her every word. However, she was far from boring. She was witty and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that we shared the same sarcastic sense of humor. We often found ourselves joking about things that the other students would do. Like the time Tommy Smith thought that he would try and be smooth and plant a kiss on Ally Hart while she was leaning up against her locker but she had ducked out of his grasp at the last second and instead, he ended up locking lips with the metal.

Like me, she didn't care to follow trends or try to be something she was not. She wasn't like everyone else our age and didn't make a fool out of herself just to try and impress others. She didn't need to fit in. She was just herself and I admired that about her.

As the summer gave way into the fall, I began to look forward to our lunches together as well as the math class I shared with her. A fast friendship had formed between us and although I considered Addison to be a friend as well, I felt more of a deeper connection with Vanessa. Addison and I had the teasing kind of friendship that resembled that of a brother and sister but with Vanessa, I found that it was something different. We shared similar interests such as our passion for books and love of astronomy and the more I got to know her, the easier it was to talk to her. I had begun to find myself opening up to her even though I had generally remained closed off to others.

I was used to the whispers and snickers that I would get from my classmates as I walked by, saying things like,

"Matt went two whole days without crying; I think that's a new record for him," or "There he goes reading his book again. He's such a loser," but as I entered into high school I found that slowly the snide remarks had changed into something of a completely different caliber.

"When did Matt get so cute?"

"I think he's dating Vanessa though. They're always together."

"What does a guy like him see in a timid girl like her anyways?"

And just like that, I had gone from being labeled as quiet and closed off to brooding and mysterious. Funny, how all it had taken was one summer and an upgrade to my wardrobe for me to now be viewed as a hot commodity instead of something the girls just used to giggle at and run away from. Well, I suppose they still did that but it was no longer because they were making fun of me, it was because I made them nervous. However, I paid them no mind. Their cutting remarks from years prior had stuck with me and I had learned who was actually genuine and who was nothing but a fake.

As far as Vanessa went, the assumptions that I was dating her didn't bother me and I never felt the need to correct them. We knew what the truth was and that was all that mattered. Ok, so maybe I could admit that she was attractive but I didn't much think of her in that way. I didn't really think of any girl in that way, yet. Other boys my age had begun dating but I was still content with just being single. I supposed that when I got a little older I would entertain the idea of having a girlfriend but for now, it was off the table. I was only 15 after all.

***

Vanessa

"Do you think Matt will ever ask me out?" I plopped my lunch tray down on the table as I slid into a seat across from Addison.

She licked chocolate pudding off of her spoon before pointing the utensil at me. "Why don't you ask him out?"

Widening my eyes, I shook my head. "You know I could never be brave enough to do that. It's not fair," I pouted as I crossed my arms. "All the other girls in our class have boyfriends. When will a boy ever want to date me?"

Addison put her pudding cup down and clasped my hand between hers. "Hey now, don't sell yourself short. Alex Banks would date you in a heartbeat. He's been drooling over you since the 7th grade."

I wrinkled my nose. "He doesn't count, Addie. I don't think he even knows what a shower is. I want a hunk like Matt, with dreamy blue-grey eyes and hair that I can run my fingers through," I gushed, imaging what our children would like. I was sure as long as they had most of his genes, they would be absolutely gorgeous.

Addison rolled her eyes. "Here we go."

I had maybe just been ever so slightly obsessing over Matt for the past couple of months and Addison was no doubt growing tired of it. She had admitted that she thought he was really good-looking but had immediately backed off from pursuing him after she began to realize that I was developing a full-blown crush on him. That's how our friendship was. We didn't compete over boys and whoever had an interest in the guy first got to have dibs.

She was quite understanding about the whole thing, however, I was pretty sure she would probably still take a fork to her brain if she had to hear one more time about "how beautiful Matt's eyes were" or the leg brush under the table that had me bugging her for days about whether she thought it was intentional or not. She remained a supportive friend nonetheless and never complained or told me to just get over it.

I continued to go on about Matt and his cute dimple until suddenly, Addison let out a loud cough. "Code Red. Code Red," she hissed.

I instantly sat upright, pretending to be engrossed in my pizza. She had just used the secret phrase we had come up with to alert each other when Matt was approaching and that all topics of conversation surrounding him must cease.

Addison scrambled to change the subject, blurting out the first thing that came to her mind. "So yea, I just really like flamingoes," she said lamely.

Matt gave her a weird look as he slid into the seat beside her. "How long have you been holding that juicy confession in for?" he quipped. Raising one eyebrow, he added, "If I didn't know any better, I would have sworn you two ladies were just gossiping about me."

The color drained from my face as I exchanged a worried look with Addison. Crap. How much had he overheard? I poked at my green beans with my fork, refusing to make eye contact with him. I was so sure my secret crush had just been blown.

Luckily, Addison, thinking quickly on her feet, piped up. She snorted. "Don't flatter yourself, Matthew. We were just discussing our periods and didn't think you would want to hear about that." She looked pointedly at him. "Unless of course, you want us to continue because I've got some killer cramps right now and-"

Matt held his hands over his ears, a disgusted look on his face. "No. Please don't. I've already heard more than enough." He busied himself opening his milk carton, the slightest hint of a blush coloring his skin. I wonder if he knew how absolutely adorable he was when he was embarrassed.

Addison smirked at me from across the table. "Ok then, if you insist but I could really use some Midol right about now." She nudged him in the ribs. "You happen to have any?"

He spit out his drink, quickly busying himself with wiping up his mess. I silently breathed a sigh of relief before mouthing a "Thank you" to Addison. Maybe that didn't make the situation any less mortifying but at least my secret was still safe and for now, that would do.

***

Vanessa

Every year, the school held a winter formal at the end of January. Since we were freshmen, it would be our first year going, and Addison and I could barely contain our excitement as we made plans over what we would wear. We were at her house, lounging on the bed a few days before the dance and thumbing through fashion magazines as we picked out our dream dresses for the big event.

I sighed dreamily. "Look at this dress" I pointed to a picture of a model wearing a flowing black dress. "This would be perfect for winter formal. Do you think Matt will invite me?"

Addison closed the magazine she was reading and scooted over to look at the picture with me. She made a face as she studied the photo. "God, don't you ever wear any color, V?" she teased. Addison had taken to calling me V now too, after the nickname Matt had given me stuck. She flipped onto her back, staring up at the ceiling. "For the twentieth time, why don't you ask him? I keep telling you this and still, you don't take my advice."

I shot up. Each time Addison suggested I ask him my reaction was always the same. "Are you kidding?! I could never do that."

"Why not?" Addison asked shrugging. "I could even do it for you if you want."

I crawled on the bed over to her until our faces were only inches apart. "Addie, don't even think about it. I need you to promise me, you will not do that. Ohmygosh. I can't believe I even told you I liked him. You are totally going to blurt it out. I know you."

She laughed, pushing me away. "Ok, I won't ask him. Get off me. Geesh." She studied her nails. "I don't know why the idea of asking him out is so terrifying to you. He's human, just like the rest of us. "

I gasped, looking at her horrified. "I can barely manage to have the cutest boy in the entire world as my friend, and you think I can just waltz up to him and casually invite him to the dance like it's no big deal? No way."

Addison shrugged. "Why not? That's what I would do."

"Of course, you would." I stared at her pointedly. "But you're also a 5 foot 6 beauty queen with a dazzling personality. What guy in his right mind would say no to that? I'm short, plain, and nothing special. Matt's way out of my league."

She swatted me with her pillow. "Hey, you better watch your mouth. That's my best friend you're talking about there." She pulled herself up. "Well, I think you should do it. Guys love confidence."

I bit my lip. She had a point, however, I was severely lacking in the self-assured department after my brutal rejection from Aaron. I winced at the memory, having no desire for a repeat situation. "Addison, I need you to hear me. It's a struggle just to get through Math class with him being only a foot away. Plus, he always insists on chatting with me before Mr. Chaplin starts class. Do you know how many minutes he waits to start class after the bell rings? Seven minutes, Addie. Seven!" I threw up my hands. "I don't have what it takes to just ask him to Winter Formal, ok?"

"Ohmygosh, V. What would you do if he ever kissed you?" Addison teased.

"I would puke." We giggled at the thought. Sighing, I laid down beside her. "What if he rejects me, Addie? Just like Aaron did?"

She looked over at me, all seriousness now. "Then he would be crazy. You're cute, funny, and an amazing friend. Honestly, it would be his loss 100%."

I didn't respond, instead mulling over my feelings for him. This had become more than just a crush for me. I had it bad. It was one thing when I thought that he was just good looking but now that I had gotten to know him, I saw that he was so much more than attractive looks. He was sweet and thoughtful, always asking how my day was going or sharing his lunch with me when I forgot the money for mine at home. He also always listened to me ramble on about the latest book I was reading, probably the only thing that I could talk to him about easily. Matt truly was the total package.

Addison broke into my thoughts. "Never mind him, V. Let's just go together, have a kick-ass time, and show him what he's missing out on."

And even though Matt never did ask me to the dance, that is exactly what we did.

***

Vanessa

As the first blooms of spring started poking through, Matt, Addison, and I were pretty much inseparable. We often hung out after school at the local diner, trading stories about our classmates and talking about the latest shows on TV.

Matt and I discovered that we both had a love of trashy reality shows and he started inviting us over to his home every Friday night so that we would binge-watch the latest episodes of whatever reality TV show was popular that week. Addison wasn't really into it so she would often just sit there, rolling her eyes as Matt and I cracked jokes about the cast members. The trashier the show, the more obnoxious the zingers.

However, it was one snowy Friday in late February, as I was packing up my backpack to go home from school that Addison approached me. Her face was pale and she had bags under her eyes. "Geesh, Addie, what happened to you?" I asked, flipping through my science notebook debating about whether or not I needed to study the notes for tomorrow's quiz.

She coughed. "I feel terrible." Her voice was hoarse and she was rubbing at her temples. "I don't think I'm going to make it over to Matt's tonight."

My heart sank at not being able to see him but I understood that was sick and didn't want to make her feel bad. "That's ok. There's always next week. Go home and get some rest. I'll let Matt know we aren't coming."

"You can still go, V," Addison said sniffling.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Uh, Addie, you do remember this is me you're talking to, right? Or are you that delirious right now?" I had never been alone with Matt at his house before and really wasn't eager to start now. Hanging with him one on one at school was one thing but doing it where he lived made it feel more intimate and way more intimidating.

Addison blew her nose. "It's not a big deal, V. You can just watch one of your lame little shows together and make your wisecracks like you always do. Besides, you two pretty much act like I'm not even there half the time, anyways."

I shook my head, still intent on canceling. "That's ok. I'll let Matt know."

"You'll let me know what?" Just then, Matt approached from behind me and leaned against my locker.

I jumped. "Geesus, Matt, you scared me," I said swatting him with my folder. He smirked at me. Even though we were friends, he always had a way of making me feel nervous and on edge. "Addie's not feeling well," I continued. "Rain check on tonight?"

He glanced over at Addison, pretending to recoil in horror at her appearance. "Whoa, geez. Maybe you do need all that makeup, after all."

She thudded him in the chest with a swing of her backpack. "I might be under the weather but don't think for a second that I still can't kick your ass."

He grinned at her before turning to look me up and down "Are you sick too?"

"No." I could feel my cheeks begin to flush. I knew where this was headed and I didn't like it.

"Ok..." he said slowly "So you can still come over, right? I mean, it's not like Addie watches those shows anyways."

"Gee, thanks, Matt. I'm feeling the love." Addison rolled her eyes, reaching into her bag for another tissue. "You two can work this out. I'm heading home." She leaned forward, placing a wet kiss on his cheek. "That's for calling me ugly. Enjoy my germs."

Matt watched Addison walk away, disgustedly wiping his cheek with the back of his hand before returning his gaze to me and expectantly waiting for my answer.

"Yea...ok. Sure." I could feel my cheeks on full-fire mood now. I tried to calm myself down. I would only be there a few hours, tops. Addison was right. This was no big deal. It was always just the two of us in class. Well, minus the other 20 students. Surely, this couldn't be much different. Right?

"Cool," he said. "I'll see you later then." He thumped me on the shoulder before walking down the hall as he whistled to himself.

I groaned and slumped against my locker. I had almost rather not see him at all than be completely alone with him at his house. On his couch. Nearly touching. Oh god. This was going to be a long night.

***

Vanessa