"Alright class, today is the day to hand in your art work!" The teacher claps excitedly and points towards the two kids in the front, "You two can go first!"

I glance over to my left and see Zander's leg bouncing up and down nervously. I nudge his shoulder with mine to get his attention. He looks over at me and panic is clear in his eyes. I smile at him reassuringly, placing my hand on his bouncing knee to stop it.

"We'll do great, just relax." His leg stops bouncing and he takes a deep breath then lets it out.

He smiles at me softly, "Thanks, Cupcake." I smile back then turn my attention towards the teacher.

Slowly, she works her way through the students. Everyone's paintings are actually really nice. One group had a car, another painted the stars, someone had painted their house. They were all amazing. I started doubting our painting. It looks nothing like these. I bite my lip and fiddle with my necklace, my palms going sweaty when it gets closer to being our turn.

I feel something touch my arm and I look over to see Zander smiling over at me, "It's our turn, are you ready?"

I nod nervously and we get up to make our way towards the front of the room. Everyone's eyes were on us. Most of them didn't seem to care, but then there were the ones who were glaring daggers at Zander's hand on my arm pulling me along. I chew on my bottom lip and take my stance at the front of the room.

"This is our painting! It's a chocolate chip cookie because who doesn't love them?!" Zander's words are filled with so much love and enthusiasm that he got most of the class to laugh and agree.

"Who painted this lovely piece?" Mr. Hanks smiles warmly over at us from behind his desk.

Zander grins and places his hand on my shoulder, "Sarah did, sadly I don't have a good hand with painting but she sure did great!" I blush and look down at my feet, awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other.

"Well done you two. You may be seated." The class claps as we make our way to our seats. I glance up and connect eyes with Samantha who is glaring at me hardcore from her seat in the back. Her friends thankfully aren't in this class so it's just her death stare I have to deal with.

I quickly sit down and zone out until class is over. Everyone packs up and leaves as if the room is on fire, hurrying to be the first ones out the door. Good lord, animals I tell you, they're nothing but animals! I huff in annoyance when I finally get through the swarm, heaving my bag onto my shoulder again.

"Did you survive the mob?" Zander smirks at me from his stance against the wall.

I roll me eyes and turn towards him, "Just barely. I swear, they act like the world is going to end if they don't get out the door at that very second!"

He chuckles lightly, "Annoyed much?" He walks over to me and crosses his arms, the smirk never leaving. That smirk is going to be the death of me.

"Very." I pout and cross my arms. I probably look like a five year old but I don't even care.

"Awe, don't pout Cupcake!" He pinches my cheeks and I swat his hands away. He laughs loudly and slings his arm over my shoulder. We start walking towards my next class. The hall way was only half full since most of the students went to their classes already.

We stop a few steps away from my next class, "So listen," He turns me towards him and gently holds my elbows. I look up at him curiously, moving my hands to hold onto his elbows as well. "I have to leave so I won't be back for . . . A while . . . Mind giving me those kisses now . . . ?" He cheekily grins down at me, gently rubbing his thumbs on my elbows.

"Why are you going to be gone for so long?" I frown and pout, looking up at him with sadness. I can't help but to feel sad that's he's going to be gone. Besides Gina, he's the only one whose paid me any attention so far and I really enjoy hanging out with him. Gina and I were even going to plan a hang out with him this weekend!

He frowns and moves a hand up to place on my cheek, "Don't be sad, I'll be back by the end of the week." He smiles and looks behind him, then quickly pulls me towards the empty classroom beside us.

"What're you - " He sits on one of the desks and pulls me towards him, wrapping his arms around my waist. I blush immediately and place my hands on his arms.

"I think about, hmm, five kisses will do?" He grins up at me, "And maybe a hug?"

I roll my eyes playfully but nod, "Okay." He grins in victory and pulls me even closer, wrapping his arms around me tightly and burying his face in my neck. The little hairs on my arm stand on edge at the feeling, goose bumps rising all over my skin. I tilt my head and gently kiss the side of his forehead, then wrap my arms around him and cradle his head.

He clung onto me tightly, almost as if he didn't want to let go anytime soon. I move my head to rest on his shoulder, gently giving him a kiss there. I feel him smile into my neck and he pulls me impossibly closer. I give two kisses up his neck then gently grab his cheek and pull him away from my neck. He looks at me with an emotion I can't decipher. I smile and lean forward, lightly giving him his last kiss on the center of his forehead. I pull away from him completely, taking a few steps back.

He stayed seated with his eyes closed, a small smile on his face as if he was savoring the moment. "Thank you." I blush and shyly look down at my hands. The warning bell rings and snaps us out of our little world, making panic rise from within me. I'm going to be late!

I look over at Zander quickly then at the door, silently saying that I need to go. He smiles and nods, waving goodbye as I rush towards the door. I rush into the classroom and take my seat, the other students barely glancing at me when I rush in. The rest of the day goes like that, me stumbling to get to class on time then stumbling to the next. I hardly saw Gina. Sadly, she had texted me saying she needed to go home early and check on her mom, but said she'd see me tomorrow so at least I'd get to see her soon.

The last period bell rings and I sigh heavily, packing up all my stuff slowly as not to get stuck in the mob of students. I make my way outside and start my walk home. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket letting me know I got a text. I pull it out and look who sent me a message.

Miss me yet? ;) -Z

I smile and shake my head,

Obviously! :P -S

His response comes quicker than expected,

I'll be back before you know it, Cupcake :) -Z

I giggle and open the door to my house, shutting it with my foot once I'm inside. I toss my bag on the floor and make my way to the couch, plopping down and getting comfy.

I hope so :) -S

I don't know how I'll survive without your kisses though... :( -Z

I giggle and blush, which is stupid because I know he can't see me. Stupid cheeks and their stupid blushing!

Don't be a baby, you'll survive! :P -S

I'm only a baby for you, baby ;) Okay okay, I'll admit that was lame :P -Z

I bust up laughing and respond quickly,

Hahaha! Yeah that was pretty terrible! :D -S

Wow, Cupcake. I'm hurt :( Jk :P :D -Z

Awwe I'm sorry I hurt the wittle baby's feelings, want me to kiss your booboos to make it all better? :D -S

Well yeah obviously! ;) :P -Z

Of course you would take it like that...
-_- :D -S

Always! Well I gtg, I'll see you soon, Cupcake. Have sweet dreams of me will ya? ;) -Z

Haha, yeah okay. Goodnight :) -S

Goodnight :) -Z

~~~~~~~~~~

Wrote this while my best friend sang the Eye Of The Tiger 😂 Not very long, but oh well. Next chapter will be out soon!

Stay strange!

~Molly