It was a slow day in service. In boredom, I was spinning, stupidly I may add, in the rolling office chair positioned at the front desk. I'm usually stationed at the nurse's office. But Mrs. Matthews has called in sick today. So that means I've been moved into the station I hate the most.

The main office.

You must be asking me, why do I hate the main office so much? Well, besides the bad history we had when Declan got caught hacking into one of the school computers, having me be alone with Raymond with the company of his friends (Note the sarcasm). There are other things, I don't like about it. Like one, the main office is connected to the principal's office, the lair of Principal Barnes. Two, I am forced to socialize with people. And like I said once, it's not like I'm the sociable type, people just choose not to socialize with me. And last, but least... her.

"Lorraine, not doing anything again I see," an annoying, high-pitched voice mused.

I rolled my eyes at the mere sound of that voice. "There's nothing to do, as you can see-" I said, gesturing to the empty office before me.

She stuck her nose into the air. "There are plenty of things to do to keep you busy." She said snottily.

The snotty, stucked up lady I have to put up with when stationed at the main office is Ms. Carol. Her hairstyle is way out of style, with the bobbed cut of her obviously fake colored blonde hair that is naturally black. She usually wears revealing button downs along with those business skirts, both two sizes too small. She's a tall lady who wears too high high heels to tower over people, with a skinny frame, by choice of course. You should see the lunches she packs and usually eats in the office, mostly consists of the usual salad and water. If she feels rebellious, she'd bring a chicken salad with a granola bar. And no, not one of those tasty granola bars, the ones that taste like cardboard. Calories before taste, she always says. Ms. Carol is around her mid to late 30s, though she tells people, mostly men, that she's in her late 20s, mid 20s if they're really gullible. That's why when I always say her name, I emphasize the "Ms" part to remind her that if she sticks with that attitude, she'll stay single for a very, very long time. 

I honestly don't know why the two us hate each other. Okay, maybe hate is a pretty strong word. How about, really, really, really dislike? We really, really, really dislike each other. That sounds better. I don't how the rivalry began. Maybe it started when I accidentally spilled her coffee when I first started service back in sophomore year. At freshman year, I was stupid enough to try drama, thinking that people would like me more. Yeah, that was a pretty stupid idea, after embarrassing myself in front of the whole entire school with a very complicated wire system and a little pixie dust. Not that it hasn't happened already... But maybe it started when I actually do my work while she slouches away, getting a lecture from Principal Barnes. Or maybe it's because I was caught mimicking her when I thought she wasn't looking. Either that or many other reasons, we have come to really, really, really dislike each other.

I snorted. "Oh yeah, like what?"                                      

"Reorganizing the cabinets."

"Did that."

"Filing school records."

"Did that."

"Cleaning the whole office."

"Did that."

She frowned at me, knowing that she gotten beat.

But then I paused and thought it over. "Though, there is something that I should go back to doing..."

"And what is that?" She asked.

"Hating you."

"Well, the feeling is mutual," she retorted back.

"Good."

"Now just go back to hating me," she said with an eye roll, taking a nail file out of her purse and beginning to file her nails.

"Already on it," I replied smugly.

Suddenly she paused, and snapped her fingers as if she remembered something. "Well, I'm sorry to tell you this, but you're going to have to do that later. I got another errand for you to do for me."

I groaned, slumping in the seat I was in, not bothering to even hold back. Great, another errand for me to do. Another reason I don't like being stationed at the main office is because Ms. Carol likes to make me run around the school doing errands she's supposed to do or just wants me to suffer. She can usually just phone the class, but she says she likes "the old fashioned way" of writing notes and having someone send it to them. Yeah, she's probably old enough to remember "back in the day". That and she's just really lazy and rather have me to do it for me.

"Fine," I said reluctantly, hopping off the chair. "What do you want me to do? Demand the lunch ladies if they could serve actual food like bland salads and even blander granola bars? If so, let me remind you, they're capable of poisoning your food when you're not looking, and they can easily blame it on the bad quality. Plus, they have an accomplice-" I said, gesturing to myself.

"No, that's not it. I just want to send another letter to," she paused, giving a huge dramatic sigh, "Coach Douglass."

Of course it was to him, who else would it be. There were little to no attractive, young teachers in Dartwell, just old, lazy and the occasionally smelly ones. The same doesn't go for female teachers though. All of the female teachers have a huge crush on Coach Douglass, including a few girls who are into older men. Most of them are in the cheerleading squad for both him and the entire football team, wanting to get their attention whenever they have the chance which is usually during practice, between practice, and in half-times in the games.

"Another love letter?" I asked her in disbelief.

Ms. Carol snapped out of her daydream of whatever Coach Douglass is in. "H-how did you know?" She sputtered, before narrowing her eyes at me. "Have you been reading my letters?"

I snorted. "No, I have better things to do than put my nose in your "so called" love life. I could just tell from Coach's annoyed, disgusted face every time he sees the note is from you before tossing it into the trash."

She gasped. "You're lying!"

I gasped. "No, I'm not!" I mocked her.

"I don't believe you."

I shrugged, not caring. "Whatever. Not my fault if you get stood up... again."

"Just- just give him the stupid note," she said, holding out a folded piece of paper.

My eyes widened. "Wait, I'm actually supposed to give it to Coach Douglas?" I asked in disbelief. "I was only saying that as a joke. I didn't know you were actually going to send him a note."

"Well, I am," she happily informed me.

"But it's almost the end of the period, meaning he'll be in the boy's locker room where everyone will be there... changing."

"Yeah, I know." Ms. Carol said smugly.

I glared at her. "I hate you."

"Well, the feeling is mutual," I said as I snatched the crisp note out of her hands.

I had this huge urge to rip it right in front of her, but I held back the urge. No need for her to hack into the school system and change my grades for revenge, it won't be worth it. So instead, I imagined the scene of me doing it, and then dropping it on the ground before stomping it on repeatedly, finishing it with a good kick.

"Make it quick," She ordered me, "I want him to get it as soon as possible."

"Then why did you give it to me earlier?" I asked her. "Or even the periods before?"

"I was too busy writing it earlier, duh," she said in an obvious tone. "And besides, you're my favorite errand girl to do these things for me." I knew she must have saved up the letter for me to send it to the boy's locker room, the little sadist.

I went around the front desk and walked towards the door. I looked back at her, going back to filing her nails, pausing once in a while to check if they were even.

"Desperate," I muttered under my breath.

"Know-it-all," she muttered under hers. Though I don't know how saying that would help her case. She's actually saying that I know that she's desperate.

I slammed the door close, hoping that the sound made her jump in her seat.

I walked down the halls, the note clutching my hand. I muttered incoherently to myself, angrily as I speed walked towards the boy's locker room. The faster I get there and deliver the stupid letter, the faster I can get out of there. I've been there more than once, this is not the first time Ms. Carol sent me to deliver her lover letters to Coach Douglass. I know what goes on in there, and it's enough to either give a girl nightmares, or to charge up her hormones. For me, it's the former, obviously.

And of course, it was a walking death trap given most of the football team as fourth period P.E. When you get in the team, you're automatically transferred there. Sometimes Coach Douglass would have the team practice if there's a big game coming up, and they would practice throughout fourth period to lunch. The team can get serious when they weren't horsing around most of the time.

But that was when I remembered something. Both Parker and Raymond have fourth period, P.E. Usually it's Raymond I'm worried about. He's always ready with a wet towel to rat whip me with. I shivered, remembering it all too well. Sometimes he and the whole boy's locker would come at me shirtless, calling me names and such, making me heat up and turn as red as a tomato. And it wasn't the names that get me. Given I am a good girl, and the most unpopular girl in school, it's obvious to figure out that I have no dating experience what so ever. The closest I ever know about dating is when reading romance novels or watching cheesy chick-flicks. Other than that, I'm hopeless in this topic.

Now that Parker and I are... acquainted? Frenemies? Friends? Maybe even more than that? But then again, I doubt that we are. I mean really, can a jock actually fall for a nerd? I mean, it happens in books and movies, but it's not possible here in real life. He's just really friendly to me... Is what I keep telling myself. Like I said, I'm failing with an F- in this class of dating, period life.

Of course, I know I'm not that oblivious. The constant staring, the jokes, the flirts, and actually willing to be seen three inches next to me, closer than that sometimes, really should show signs that he may actually like me. But just the mere thought of the two of us being a thing is down right next to impossible, right after being able to be friends with Raymond, like actually friends instead of pretending to be like that our parents think we are. I know, it's impossible, never ever going to happen. Even breathing in outer space, swimming through lava, or actually learning you're an alien is more possible than any of those two. Though, learning that I'm an alien would make a lot sense for me, it would explain a lot...

I shook the stupid, but possible thought away. I looked at the now crumpled note under my fist. Whoops. I should probably press it down, making it straight and neat. I did so, flattening the paper under my palms. But (dramatic sigh) it just doesn't seem to be working I could still see the creases on the paper. Maybe I should open the note, and try again. Maybe it would work this time.

Eagerly, I opened the note. My eyes scanned the paper, reading the love letter from snotty Ms. Carol to sports buff Coach Douglass. I began to read the letter, my eyes scanning down the page.

"Dear beloved..." I read out loud to myself, "I love you... I know you do too... Meet me at park... I'm desperate "-Well, she didn't write that last part, but you get what I'm saying "-Blah, blah, blah."

I frowned in disappointment. Ms. Carol could write better than this. And even if she can't, she should be at least be more creative. I could rewrite it for her, but what has she ever done for me? I did what I promised to myself and straightened out the letter before stuffing it in my back pocket.

Soon I reached the boy's locker room. You could easily tell that it's the boy's locker room because of the bright blue door that had a guy stick figure frame on top of it. The girl's locker room is the exact opposite with bright red and a girl stick figure frame in front of the door. It was almost the end of fourth period, so I doubt everyone would be in the P.E. area, including Coach Douglass. I looked at the girl's locker room, longingly. I rather suffer through the wrath of those girls than the guys. There have been times I tried to ask people to do this for me, fat chance at that. I looked back at the locker room door and took a deep breath.

"Here goes nothing," I muttered.

I looked around the halls, making sure there were no hall monitors to catch me... again. I remembered the times I had to explain in embarrassment what I was doing. Then I grabbed the lever handle of the door and opened the door. Instantly, I was almost knocked over by the smell of Axe. Holding my breath, I stepped into enemy territory, the point of no return.

Slowly and quietly closing the door, the last of fresh air was gone left with only the stronger smell of both Axe and cologne. The room felt damp from both the showers and sweat. The room was a pigsty, much like the girl's locker room. Only, instead of perfume bottles, scattered make-up supplies, and extra short clothes, there were forgotten deodorant cases, empty bags of chips, smelly gym socks, and dirty clothes. There was a random pair of boxers hanging on one of the lockers, I quickly turned away.

I peered into the first row of lockers, then the next. Not a single guy in sight. But now that I think of it, I haven't heard a single perverted joke, a curse of a forgotten test, or a vague girl's description (which usually consists of the words: hot, smoking, and damn). That must mean that the guys either haven't arrived yet and are still in the fields or were in the showers. I stopped and listen, and there it was, the sound of water running nearby in the showers. This is my chance to quickly leave Coach Douglass his letter and get out of here.

Crouching to the floor, I began to slowly walk towards the front counter of the boy's locker room which was all the way at the other side of the room. The front counter was connected to Coach Douglass's and Coach Jacob's office. I was very close to the counter. I'll leave the letter on Coach Douglass's desk and run out of the place. Out of boredom, I started to hum the Mission Impossible theme song. Plus, I did feel a bit like a secret agent, a ninja even. Or maybe both! A secret ninja agent, yeah, I like the sound of that. Double O-Nerd, a master of stealth, speed, and-

"And then I was like, 'You gotta be kidding me!'" A voice said, before laughing.

I squealed and jump behind the front counter. I was too slow, stupid ninja spy needs. I was too busy playing around and lost my chance to get out of here. Now I'm forced to wait here until everyone leaves or else I'll be trapped in a room of... them. This isn't the first time this had happened to me. And this probably won't be the first time I might get caught by the guys.

The laughter got louder followed by perverted jokes, curses of forgotten tests and a vague girl's description. I heard the pounds of wet footsteps, the creak of open locker doors, and rustles of clothes. I sat on the stone cold ground and ran my hand through my hair in frustration. I can't believe I put myself in this situation again. I began to repeatedly hit my head with my hand, hating myself at this very moment.

"And then what happened, Parker?" Someone asked.

I froze in mid-hit, my hand only centimeters from my forehead. My eyes begin to widen, my jaw becoming ajar. Parker. My face was already becoming heated up so much that you could cook an egg on it. Parker is here, in this very room, probably half-naked, maybe only wearing a towel, showing abs- Whoa, whoa, whoa, get a hold of yourself, Lorraine. This is not a time to daydream of a maybe half-naked Parker wearing only a towel that showed his abs. I'm in a difficult situation right now, and I shouldn't be daydreaming of a maybe half-naked Parker wearing only a towel that showed his abs. I should be worrying about my life instead of daydreaming of a maybe half-naked Parker wearing only a towel that showed his abs. Why do I keep on saying, daydreaming of a maybe half-naked Parker wearing only a towel that showed his abs? But then again, this is the only thing I can think about right now.

"What do you think I did?" Parker asked to his audience. "I pranked his sorry ass the next day, of course!" The whole locker room burst into laughter.

"That's what I like to hear." One said.

"No one should mess with Party Parker over here."

Parker laughed. "You got that right."

I had this sudden urge to peer over the counter, but then I scolded myself for daring to even think of that. Do I have a death wish? Am I actually willing to be caught just for a small glance at Parker? I mean yes, but that's not the point. Usually, when I'm here, I never think of doing this. I just think of finding a way to get out of here, not staying here as the next Peeping Tammy. I reddened at the name and decided not to do that altogether. My main focus is to find a way to get out of here, period.

Thinking it over, I tried to remember if there are any exits out of the locker room. Besides the front exit, the only exit is to the P.E field, but it's blocked by the army of guys. My best bet of escaping is to sit and wait until everyone leaves. I sighed and slumped against the counter, just my luck.

From the rustling of clothes, and the open and closes of locker doors, I could tell the guys continued changing back to their clothes. They went back talking with each other, with perverted jokes, curses of forgotten tests, and a vague description of a guy this time. It seemed one of them was trying to set up a blind date with a friend. I was a bit glad that they were okay with people coming out of the closet. I yawned a bit, getting bored with this "guy" talk. I know guy talk, I'm used to it thanks to the Musketeers.

"So what is up with you and Nerds?" A guy suddenly asked.

My body tensed at the question. 

"She has-"

"-a name," everyone finished in unison before laughing, having me think he must have said this more times than these jocks can count.

"But seriously, man." The same guy pressed. "After that stunt you pulled back in that burger joint, you have to tell us."

The guys started to agree and began to urge him on.

"Did someone dare you?"

"Are you messing with her?"

"Or..." There was a long pause before he finally said, "are you guys dating?"

I noticed that I was holding my breath in anticipation. I exhaled, trying to calm myself down.

"No, no and..." Parker paused before forcing out, "No comment."

The whole locker room burst into commotion. I jumped at the sudden volume, making a small squeak on the floor with my foot. But it wasn't noticed because of the guys loud voices.

"You guys are actually dating!"

"I can't believe you see Ner-" the guy caught himself "-I mean Naomi like that."

"Man, O'Neil, you got the hots for Lorraine."

"We're not dating," Parker corrected. "It's... complicated, we're friends... who, I don't know. And so what? Naomi is a really nice and funny... She's not like other girls."

I bit my bottom lip to keep from smiling, my cheeks suddenly turning warm.

"Yeah, that's exactly why she's called- well y'know."

"Yeah, I know why," Parker growled. "But I don't care about that, I don't care about any of that."

"Whatever man," one said. "But good luck on that one."

"What do you mean by that?" Parker asked.

"Well sure, it looks like she likes you. But I doubt her friends do."

"Her friends?" Parker repeated unsurely.

"Y'know..." there was a small gulp before he said in a soft whisper I could barely hear, "the Musketeers."

Everyone said "ooh" automatically getting it and agreeing with this. Even I agreed. When the guys gave me "the talk" about Parker, I couldn't help but worry about him. The guys can be pretty extreme when they want to. Just one little slip and boom, he'll be in a coma for a month... at the least.

"Yeah, he's got a point."

"Nice knowing you, man."

"Dude, you're screwed."

"What do you mean by that?" Parker demanded.

"Think about it," the same guy said. "Those four have been hanging out with each other for a while now. And from the looks of it, they are all pretty close. You also saw how over protective they were when Raymond and the others ganged up on her. Now that you're going into enemy territory with that Trojan- what was that? Zebra? Camel?"

"Horse, you idiot."

"Yeah, horse," he said, laughing awkwardly in embarrassment. "I don't pay attention to history, I usually konk out during class. Anyway, the guys beat you up the first chance they get when you mess something up. Whether you make a make a move, make her cry, or forget your anniversary."

I doubt he'd make a move on me. He already made me cry during the times he bullied me, but I don't think he'd go back to doing that. And I certainly wasn't the type to hold anniversaries much less remember them.

"Yeah, he's got a point."

"Nice knowing you, man."

"Dude, you're screwed."

"Well, whatever," Parker said. "Let them come at me. I don't care. I like Naomi and Naomi likes me. That's all that matters. If they want to beat me up for it, then go right on ahead."

I couldn't help but admire Parker at the moment. Even I would tremble at the thought of being at the opposite end of the wrath of the guys. But here he is, saying how he likes me more than he's scared of the guys.

"I can tell you this O'Neil, you got guts. If I was in your place, I would be dropping her like a hot potato."

"Well you aren't, because you'll never will be."

Another set of "ooh's" came from the others. But the guy laughed it off, saying how he walked into that one. Everyone was going back to laughing and talking when the sound was cut off.

I heard a sudden slam of a locker door. "But what I want to know is... How do you even like her?"

I know that voice anywhere. Raymond.

I heard a snort. "Why do you want to know Raymond? I thought you wouldn't want anything to do with the two of us."

"I don't," Raymond spat. "I just want to know what you see in that Lorraine."

"And I just want to know why you care so much."

"Just answer the stupid question, O'Neil."

Everyone has fallen silent. I stared at the ground, not knowing what he was going to say. I want to hear this, but at the same time I don't. But before I could decided whether to listen this or clamp my hands over my ears, he said it.

"Well, like I said, she's not like other girls." Parker said, pretty proudly I might add. "For one thing, she can take a punch and can certainly throw one too, we all know she can-" that got a few chuckles "-She plays sports without crying over a chipped nail. She eats unlike the girls who practically starve themselves. She's smart, like Albert Einstein smart, and I know she's that smart because she found a way to turn me smart. Don't look at me like I grew another eye, yes, I'm smart, only math smart though. She's cute, especially when she blushes, that's why I always try to find ways to make her blush. She has a big mouth, she's got opinions, dreams, she's not afraid to talk or talk back. Especially the times she makes hilarious snarky comebacks at me. She's funny, she always find ways to make me laugh, even when she's not trying. And she's just unique like that, and I love that about her."

"Love?" Raymond echoed incredulously.

"Yeah, love." Parker repeated, a bit harshly. "Got a problem with that?"

There was a long pause. "No," Raymond forced out. "No problem at all."

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you'd be jealous."

Now it was Raymond snorted. "Of who? You?"

"Who else?"

"Well, I don't," Raymond assured him with a laugh. "Go ahead and do whatever you want with Nerds-"

There was a sudden loud slam of a locker door. The impact was loud, the metal shook the wall of lockers, rattling the metal. Everyone must have jumped from the few curses from a few guys, one even accidentally backed up against the lockers in surprise from the sound of it.

"She. Has. A. Name." Parker said in a low growl.

Now there was a long silence in the locker room. I didn't have to peek over the counter to know that Parker and Raymond were having a stare down.

"Hey, hey," someone said. "No need to start a fight in here. Coach's going to kill us if we do."

"Whatever," the both of them muttered in unison.

"Okay then..." the same guy said. "So have you guys seen Leslie Miller? Man, I call dibs."

There were a few fox whistles followed by vague descriptions with the words hot, smoking, and damn. The tense atmosphere of Parker and Raymond disappeared easily as it began. Everyone was at ease now, going back to their usual conversations with each other. Soon the bell rang, marking the end of fourth period and the start of lunch. Instantly, everyone groaned about how hungry they were. There were slams of locker doors and receding footsteps, telling me that the guys were leaving the locker room. I'm going to have to sit out until everyone finally leaves.

I listened until there was no more talking, rustling clothes, or anything. I waited a few seconds more before deciding it was safe to come out. I slowly got up, not being able to wait until I'm able to stretch from sitting in that awkward position and cold floor.

"I still don't know what your problem is, Ray."

I almost yelped and shot back down to the ground. The voice surprised me and now my face was flat on the floor. I was forced to stare at an old discolored gum, I made a face. I went on all fours and crawled to the edge of the counter to get a view on who was still here. My eyes widened in surprise to see that Parker and Raymond were still here.

Shirtless.

Stop that, Naomi, I scolded to myself. I don't care about Raymond, but Parker (fox whistle). But forgetting about the whole shirtless thing (not really forgetting it) it was that they're still here. The bell has rung, they should be off to lunch by now. But they didn't seem to care about that, they were too busy glaring at each other. The tense atmosphere was back now, making me shrink in fear.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You know what I mean," Parker retorted back. "What's with you and Naomi? Why don't you like her? Do you even know why you don't like her? Even I don't know why I didn't like her, why I bullied her. I don't know the first thing about her back then, and I still bullied her. Do you even know why you bully her?"

"Yeah, I know," Raymond growled at Parker. "I know exactly why."

Parker's eyes hardened. "And why exactly would you be willing to bully a girl for years? What has she ever done to you?"

Raymond returned the glare. "That's none of your business."

Parker took a step forward towards him. "I think it is, given this is Naomi we're talking about. My Naomi."

I can't believe I'm blushing right now, but the words "my Naomi" just keeps on echoing in my head.

"Your Naomi?" Raymond asked in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm not," Parker said. "So you'd better tell me what you got against Naomi or else-"

It happened fast. The two of them were a couple feet away from each other. But suddenly Raymond slammed Parker against the lockers. Parker grunted in pain, I gasped at that, not loud enough to be heard though. I remember the feeling of being slammed against lockers all too well, my back tingled at the memories.

"Or else what?" Raymond challenged.

Parker glared at his football captain and friend. "You'll. Be. Sorry."

Raymond eyes slightly widened, but was covered up by laughing scornfully. "You're in no position to threaten me, O'Neil."

"Well, I got the girl." Parker said with a smirk. "So I think I got that advantage, don't you think?"

Raymond's eyes narrowed at Parker. "Just because you got Naomi doesn't mean anything."

Parker managed to crack a smile. "Oh, I think it does... to you."

There was another slam against the lockers. Parker winced at the impact, but his gaze didn't leave Raymond's. There was a agonizingly long silence between the both of them. Friends, classmates, teammates. None of that mattered right now. Suddenly, Raymond smirked at Parker and let go of him. He staggered back towards the lockers, trying to find his balance. Then he stood up straight, giving Raymond a cold glare.

"You better watch your back, O'Neil."

"Right back at you, Myers."

I slowly went back behind the counter. My eyes closed, thinking over what just happened. Parker actually likes me. He said it proudly to his friends. He got overprotective of me. We might actually be a thing. That's the first few things that came to me.

But then there was Raymond. What was his deal? Why was he so against Parker and I? If I were him, I wouldn't care, even say, "Good riddance." Though, before he said he was worried his friend would lose his popularity status just being near me. But I doubt he cares about that anymore from what he did to Parker. Did he hate me so much, he didn't want me to be happy? To make his own friend happy?

I let out a sigh. This is exactly why I don't get involve with people, too much drama. Too late for that now.

I waited for a couple minutes this time. I listened in if there were anymore sounds of closing locker doors or rustling of clothes. When I didn't hear anything, I once again slowly got off the floor, wiping my hands on my jeans.

As I was about to walk towards Coach Douglass's office, something suddenly stopped me.

"Naomi?"

I froze in place, my foot halted in midair. My first thought was Raymond. Raymond already armed with his towel in a rat whip. Closing my eyes, I slowly turned around, ready to face him. When I opened them, it wasn't Raymond at all.

I sighed with relief. "Oh, thank you, it's only you."

Not only was I thankful that it was Parker instead of Raymond, I was thankful he was semi decent. He wore black jeans that hung on his hips. Though he was semi-half naked, he wore a grey button down with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, though the button down wasn't buttoned at all. Having me take a good look and note the fact that Parker does indeed have a six-pack. I also noticed that a dog tag necklace hung around his neck. But before I could stare any longer, I quickly look back up at him, trying to cover up the fact I just checked him out.

"Naomi, what are you doing here?" He asked me in disbelief.

"I uh- um, I... what?" Was the only thing I managed to say.

Parker's eyebrows furrowed at me. Then he looked down at himself and instantly reddened, matching my already red face. I glanced away as he began to button his shirt, hiding his... abs. I can't say I wasn't disappointed, but then again who wouldn't?

"Sorry," he apologized once he was done, a button or two was left unbutton, not that I was going to point out much less complain.

I awkwardly cleared my throat. "I-it's alright."

"But really, why're you here? You do know this is the boy's locker room, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah I know." I looked around the place. "I could tell from the smell. Anyway, I was doing an errand."

Parker frowned. "Why would you do an errand that would send you to the boy's locker room? Isn't there any guys to do it themselves?"

"Well, she could have done that. But she hates me too much to pass up the offer."

There was a long pause, I noticed that his fists were clenched together. Parker shook his head. "Wow, I can't believe it. Even teachers bully you."

I gave a slight shrug. "Only some of them, there are a few who are pretty nice." Well, two of them really, but that's not important.

He let out a sigh. "Well, I'm thankful for that. C'mon, let's get you out of-" Parker paused then looked at me. "Wait, how long were you here?"

The question took me by surprise. But before I could panic, redden or pretty much confess everything to him. I took a deep breath and lied to him.

"Just a couple of minutes," I told him. "I came through the P.E field door-" I pointed towards that exit "-I just got here and was heading towards the office when you stopped me."

This might not seem much to you. But remember, I'm a good girl. The only times I lied were when I lied to my parents where I got those bruises from my bullies. This is a straight up like that came out of nowhere, which I'm using on a guy I both trust and like.

"So you didn't hear... anything?" He asked me.

"I didn't hear what?" I asked innocently, playing dumb. Which is harder than it looks given I am a nerd.

He shook his head. "Never mind, it's nothing."

"Okay."

"Let's get you out of this place. The Axe smell will get you the longer your stay here. Thankfully, you just got here."

Ha, yeah, thankfully.

"Wait, let me go drop of the letter," I said.

"Let me do it for you," he offered me.

"Parker, it's alright. Go ahead and wait for me. I'll be quick."

He hesitated, looking at me unsurely. "Are you sure?"

I nodded confidently. "Yeah, I'm sure. Just wait outside."

Parker sighed. "Okay, but be quick."

He looked at me one last time, shook his head, and then walked out the boy's locker room. I turned around and walked towards Coach Douglass's office. I slowly opened the door up, and then entered the office. The office was slightly small, smaller than a classroom. And the disorganized mess of it didn't help it at all. There were files, cabinets and dusty trophies everywhere you look. There was a blackboard that held a new play Coach Douglass created. I gave it a long look, wanting to change a few things, because we certainly won't win with a predictable play like that. But then I thought of what he ever did to me, and left it like that. There were signed posters of famous football players, sports inspirational posters and, team portraits over the years. I looked over at Coach Douglass's desk which was messy with sign up sheets, other fellow unopened love letters, and a cold mug of coffee.

Before I could leave the letter among the pile of other love letters, I paused to remember if Ms. Carol asked to give it to him in person and wait to see his reaction. She had me do it once and thought I was lying when I told her his reaction. I shrugged and placed the semi-crumpled on top of the mountain of letters and quickly left the office.

I was about to head towards the door and leave this awful place, to meet up with Parker. It was lunch now and I was starving having to sit through guy talk and smell nothing but axe, sweat, and axe. When I get home, all I want to do is take a long shower, taking all this guy grime and smell of me. So I walked around the front counter and towards the exit, which to me seems to be the light. People say, don't go into the light. Well, better there than stay here. But once again, someone stopped me.

"Naomi?"

I groaned, rolling my eyes. "Parker, I thought I told you to wait for me outside."

"Parker? Why would he wait for you outside? And why are you even here in the first place?"

I whipped around and saw once again another sight to see.

"Jordan?" I asked in disbelief.

He shrugged innocently, the towel around his shoulders rising as it did. "The one and only."

Jordan looked like he just came out of the showers. His shaggy curls of dirty blond hair were still wet from the showers. He was half naked, showing that he also had a six-pack, though it was slightly covered (thank you) by the towel that hung around his shoulders. Another towel hung dangerously loose around his hips, daring to fall off and reveal his full Jordan glory. The thought made me redden brighter than a tomato, that's the last thing I want. I could barely handle seeing one guy half naked. That's one thing, seeing two of them in a row is another.

He took one end of the towel around his shoulders and tried drying off a side of his hair. "So what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" I asked. "What are you doing here? Fourth period just ended, lunch just started."

"Lunch?" Jordan asked, perking up like a puppy hearing the sound of food. "That Coach Douglass made me run extra laps for messing around-" he smiled innocently though it has a little mischief in it, because his eyes surely glinted mischievously "-So I came into the locker room late. Now it's your turn. Why're you here?"

I briefly explained how I was doing an errand and give Coach Douglass a love letter for Ms. Carol. Jordan's reply to this was only a snort.

"Are you kidding me? Why would anyone go for sports buff over there? He looks like he rather marry his weights, and he's not all up there." He said, tapping his head, then pausing. "Much like Declan, actually."

The both of us snickered. Then I remembered Jordan's decency.

"Jordan, could you, I don't know- Put something on?" I offered.

Suddenly he covered up himself, like he was caught naked entirely. One arm was covering across his chest, the other covering down south. His face was totally priceless, like he was violated and was taken by surprise.

"Eek!" He mimicked a girl's shriek, playfully. "I'm not decent! Catching a guy off guard! Pervert!"

"Me?" I demanded incredulously, but couldn't help but laugh.

He went back to normal and laughed along with me. "And why're you complaining? C'mon, you have to admit-" he paused and gestured to himself "-you want some of this."

I snorted. "Yeah, as if. Now put some clothes on already." I told him, covering my face in embarrassment. "Please, for the sake of mankind."

Jordan did the most provocative I have ever seen. It was a mixture of flexing himself while posing in a sexy (well what's supposed to look sexy) way. I couldn't help but laugh, as I veered my eyes away, covering my face to hide it's had reddened in embarrassment.

"Why, are you feeling-" he paused and flexed, giving me a smirk as he waggled his eyebrows "- flustered?"

"More like disturbed." I simply replied, before laughing again.

"Hey Naomi, are you done with-?"

The both of us paused and looked at Parker. Parker had a mixture of confusion, surprise, and was torn from laughing or running away. He slowly backed up a few steps, but stood his ground, not wanting to leave me with- gestures to Jordan –this.

"Am I... Am I interrupting something?"

"Yes," Jordan said at the same time I said, "No." Both of us looked at each other.

"Hey, Parker," Jordan said, looking back at Parker. "Do me a favor and give me your honest opinion."

I face palm myself, slowly shaking my head. "Oh no."

He hopped, not changing his pose and turned to face Parker. Then he flexed once again. "Are you feeling... flustered at all?"

"More like disturbed."

Now all three of us were laughing. I hope all five of us will be like this. Laughing, talking, being okay with each other. Parker wouldn't be scared or feel threatened by the guys. The guys wouldn't torment or give death threats to Parker. And I wouldn't have to hold all of them back, being the middle of this mess.

Hope.

This is the long awaited chapter twenty-eight for you guys! I'm sorry for not being able to post this sooner, like Friday sooner. During the weekend, I kept on falling asleep as I tried to finish the chapter. Stupid jetlag. I started writing this at Monday, but never had the chance to work on it during my trip in D.C. By the way, D.C was fun. It was educational, I learned a lot. It's not like I fell asleep in a few tours on the bus or anything... I got to hung out with my friends, guy friends mostly, and it's sad because I'll never see them again since we'll be going to different schools. I ate a lot and went to the pool and got to show off this- gestures down to herself.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. This is one of my favorites by far. Some action, aw's, and laughs. If you remember from Mockingjay, the bit when Finnick does that provocative pose, that's were I got that bit. The idea is copyright Hunger Games, but I changed it to my own. Hope no one minds, but I couldn't pass up that offer for hilarious but cute Jordan to do that. 

This extra long chapter is dedicated to Deborah_M. A girl who loves my books. And who actually offered to edit my books, commenting grammar mistakes on my chapters. She did the prologue and I still can't believe how many mistakes are in there. I apologize to you all for the bad grammar you had to suffer through, I still have a lot to learn from writing. And it sucks because I don't even like English, the class. So thank you Deborah_M for your help, and I know you won't let me down. I have total faith in you, I swear you're like a machine.

At the right is some funny monkey pictures in provocative poses. With one questionable pose from I think from the founding father John Adams. Which is funny given I just came back from D.C. Oh, and I watched Transformers with friends. When the T-Rex breathed fire, I was like, "It's a dragon! Roar!" My friend told me, "No, it's dinosaurs." And I replied, "Screw dinosaurs, that's a freaking dragon!" Go How to Train Your Dragon 2! Hiccup, puberty gone right! An adorable but deadly Toothless! And I love the part when Bumblebee got pissed when he saw Stinger. Go Bumblebee! Also at the right is a Youtubers React video I watched with my brother as I wrote this chapter. It's hilarious! Give it a try.

RubixCube89201