I shot a nervous look at Becky as Mrs. Collard walked up to us and told us what she wanted us to do. I thought we were doing bad at announcing until people started laughing and clapping. Then Mrs. Collard dismissed everyone as the bell rung at 3:30.

Ziak ran up to us and slung his arms over our shoulders. "Hello ladies."

Becky giggled and I rolled my eyes, "Hello man I've never seen."

He dropped his arms and put a hand to his heart, "Ouch. That really hurt Lacey."

Becky busted out laughing and continued walking to the library. I grabbed Ziak by the arm and tugged him along, "Come on stranger."

When we got to the library Becky was chatting away with a cheerleader. Of course.

"There you are Lacey. Could you put stickers on these new books and check them in. And if you if you get time put them where they belong?"

I smiled at the librarian, "Of course."

I turned towards Ziak and pushed him away, "Go hang out with Becky. I'll try to get done early enough so we can go out for pizza."

He walked towards Becky and the cheerleader and sat down next to them. I laughed inside, the cheerleader probably had a heart attack. Ziak was a nice and funny guy, and add that to his good looks he could probably stop a charging a rhino.

By five o'clock I got done checking books in and stickering them. I'll put them away tomorrow morning.

I walked up to Becky and Ziak who were playing tic-tac-toe. "Isn't that for younger kids."

They looked up at me and, as if they planned it, stook out their tongues at the same time. "No, it is for all ages. Have you seen my dad play?"

I shook my head, "No I haven't. Are you guys ready?"

Ziak stood up and tossed me my keys. Wait...... "Why do you have my keys!?!" I slapped his arm and turned towards the exit of the library.

"Thought I'd keep them warm for you. Oh and could you drop me off after pizza. Hank took my truck to Duluth."

I sighed. "Fine, here take the keys I'll be out in a few." I tossed him back the keys and they walked out the doors.

"Bye Mrs.Chesterfield! I'll be back tomorrow morning to finish up!"

"Bye dear!"

I walked out and turned left down the hall and stopped at locker number 315. I unlocked it and threw my schedule and the calendar on the top shelf, shut it and nearly jumped out of my skin. I pressed my hand to my heart, trying to slow it down.

"Jesus Jake. Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

He smiled apologetically, "Lacey please give me another chance."

I sighed and rubbed my temples, "Jake. Have you ever listened to Taylor Swift?" He shook his head slowly. "Well look this one up, We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. Maybe then you'll get the memo."

I turned around to leave but he grabbed my arm and turned me back. "Let me go Jake."

I tried pulling away but he tugged my arm again and I ran into his chest. "Lacey why won't you give me another chance."

I glared up into his eyes and was about to scream at him when someone came up from behind me and told Jake to let me go.

"It's none of your business newbie. Why don't you go hang with your cousin."

-You might wanna duck.

I didn't question the voice and ducked as much as I could while Jake held my arms. There was a crack and Jake's hold was released. I scrambled back as he fell to the ground, running into my savior.

I turned around and looked up at him, my eyes widened. "Cade. Uh.. thanks for helping me."

He smiled slightly, "No prob. Could I walk you to your truck?" I nodded and walked beside him. Wincing as I heard Jake muttering vengeance and curses at our backs.

When we got to my truck I thanked him again and climbed into the back, letting Ziak drive. After pizza we dropped Ziak off at his house, now we were sitting in my truck outside of Becky's house.

"Lacey are you alright? You've been quiet."

I noddd at her and she gave me a look that said she didn't believe me at all. But she gave me a hug and left, walking into her house.

That's what I loved about Becky, she wouldn't push a matter if someone didn't want it to be pushed. She was a true friend. Maybe I should tell her that more...

I pulled into my driveway and turned the truck off, sitting there. I sighed and hopped out, turning my attention to the woods as a twig snapped.

Two sets of eyes were glowing from a large bush and I decided now was not the time to be curious. So I ran inside and locked the door behind me.

*********
Thought it was time to show another character. This is what Ziak looks like. Yeah I know some of you are dying to see what Micah, Cade, and Cole look like. Perhaps soon I'll find something.
=^.^=