The next day Scott and Mitch searched the hallways for the mystery boy who they only knew as Kirk. They had even enlisted Kirstie to help knowing that she knew more people. It also helped that she could talk to strangers without becoming a stuttering mess or having a meltdown.

At lunch Kirstie plopped down at their chosen table.

"Soooooo...."
"So what? Did you find him?" Scott asked.
"Kinda but kinda not."

The two looked at her waiting for an explanation.

"Well... He's new. Moved from LA is what I heard. He's an art kid, likes to draw and color and stuff like that. But I haven't actually talked to him."
"Is he gay?" Scott was hopeful.
"That I don't know about. But you said he was checking you out at the mall."
"He was undressing Scotty with his eyes Kit. Of course he's on our team."
"I guess you'll find out when you talk to him today. Make sure Mitch is with you so he can help interpret."
"Intrepret what? Does he not speak English?"
"He does... it's just you're not so great at emotions Scooter. Mitch is."
"Ohhh," Scott looked defeated and slightly hurt.
"It's not a bad thing. We all have our quirks and that's just one of yours."

Scott wasn't convinced but let the subject drop for now as the conversation was directed back to how they were going to introduce themselves to the cute, dirty blonde haired boy in art class that afternoon. The thought of speaking to this handsome stranger had Scott's stomach twisted in knots of anxiety. He focused on his breathing and tried to calm his racing heart just the way his therapist had taught him. However, he was 1000% sure that Dr. Hollis had never experienced anything like the attacks he had so he wasn't sure what gave the man authority to advise him.

Mitch watched Scott fumble with the food on him plate as he was taking slow deep breaths. Mitch remained silent but reached his hand under the table to grab Scott's. He gave the fingers a brief squeeze before looking over and smiling. The contact of their hands, knowing that his best friend was right there, settled Scott for the time being. He thought about how Dr. Hollis should probably take lessons from Mitch on how to support people in the throes of an anxiety attack. 

Before he knew it, Scott was walking into art, Mitch basically attached to his side. They quickly found their way to the seats they had chosen yesterday. He had built himself up on the walk from choir to art, he was sure he was ready to at least say hello to the new kid. The blonde deflated a little when he saw the stool next to his was empty.

Soon after the pair had settled into their seats, he walked in. He was giggling and laughing with a group of people. They dispersed and he made his way to the back row with Scott and Mitch. He grinned over at Scott who instead of returning the sentiment, jerked his head toward Mitch and looked panicked. Of course Mitch came to the rescue by sticking out his hand and introducing both himself and Scott. Scott took the hint and also reached to shake the boy's hand as it was his turn to introduce himself.

"Nice to meet you two. I'm Alex... Alex Kirk. I just moved down here from LA."
"Why would you leave LA for Texas?" Mitch questioned.
"My parents divorced last summer, mom got a job down here so I decided to come with her."

In a rare act of bravery, Scott spoke up.

"Mitchy, you're one to talk, you guys left New York for this. It's great to meet you Alex, you'll have to tell us more about LA."
"No doubt! Ummm... didn't I see you at the mall last week maybe? Wow... that sounded creepier than expected."
"Not creepy at all. And I think so. We were shopping for school clothes."
"I was just exploring. I still don't know much about this town. Maybe you could show me around sometime?"

There was that million watt smile that had Scott stuttering again.

"Uhh...ummm... yea...uhh... ummm...w-we c-cou-ou-ld."

Mitch, hearing the exchange made a mental note to tell Scott that this boy was outright flirting with him. It didn't sneak past Mitch that Alex had asked only Scott to show him around.

"Okay... could I maybe get your number?"

Scott was confused so he did what he always did in situations where he was lost... He turned to Mitch.

"Ohhh... yea... Scotty give Alex your phone."

Scott did as he was told.

"There I put in my number and sent myself a message so I have yours too."
"Th-thanks."

Before they could continue the teacher entered and began to call roll. When she finished she gave out the day's assignment, a creative self-portrait, before going around and checking everyone's work. Scott and Mitch admired the fact that she took an extra minute to make sure that Scott was okay after what occurred yesterday. Once she was gone the two began their pictures. Scott couldn't help but glance over at Alex's canvas. The boy was amazing. Mitch leaned over to whisper in his friend's ear.

"Tell him he's good. That you like it."

Scott looked at him terrified.

"Trust me Scotty. He likes you. Just talk to him. Pretend it's me."
"How do I pretend that? He's so different from you."
"Just try Scott. I promise I'll be right here if you start to freak."
"Okay..."

Scott turned on his stool to face Alex before loudly and awkwardly clearing his throat. Alex heard the commotion and looked up.

"Ohh hey Scott..."
"Uhh hey... I just wanted to tell you your painting is really good. You're like an incredible artist."
"Oh goodness.. Thanks. I guess I've always liked art. Mom even made sure that I have a studio in our new house... uhhh... maybe I could show you one day?"

Scott looked at Mitch who gave him a subtle nod.

"Yea. That seems cool."
"Great."

When the bell rang, Scott honestly wasn't sure how he had made it through the class when the cute boy beside him kept talking. He and Mitch started to gather their belongings, Alex doing the same, when Scott felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. A text message.

Alex 🎨: See you tomorrow cutie. 😘

Scott turned a deep shade of crimson as he looked up to find the sender. Alex was already halfway out of the room but he glanced back at Scott.

And there goes that smile again, Scott thought as artist walked out the door.