Tyler pokes my cheek, "Hey, dude, you in there?".

He turns to Matt, "I think something's wrong with him!".

Matt nods, "Maybe it's because of our resident alley cat.".

Tyler smiles, "I heard that she vandalized her old school and that's why she got expelled!".

Matt smirks, "I heard she's super poor and the only thing keeping her from the streets is her stepfather!".

I refrain from saying anything, pushing my sandwich around with my finger.

Matt turns to me, "What do you think, Thomas?"

Both of my friends stared at me. The skin under my collar warming up. I grit my teeth together and scour my mind for something to say.

Then Tessa walked into the lunchroom, looking. It hits me that she's trying to find me.

I start listening to the guys talk again, realizing what would happen if she heard them.

I could go to her. Or, I could duck under the table and pretend I'm not here. No, I'm not a coward.

I get up from my table and put my arm around her shoulder. I smile at her, "Hey Tessa!".

Her face lights up, "Thomas, it's great to see you again.".

My heart beats faster in my chest, a pang also accompanying it.

I whisper, "How about we eat in the library?".

She nods, "Of course, but what's wrong with eating here? Are you okay?".

I force a laugh, "I'm perfectly fine, I just wanted some more one-on-one time with you!".

She nods again understandingly, "I'll see you there then! Bye, Thomas.".

She turns around and heads into the lunch line.

I breathe a sigh of relief, grabbing my tray while the boys continue fighting. Thankfully, the guys let me leave without asking any questions.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

She sets her tray down at a library table, kissing me on the cheek. I swear I'm blushing just as bad as she is.

I say, "You know, we don't know much about each other.".

Tessa nods, "How about I ask a question, you answer, then you ask a question and I answer.".

I grin, "Go ahead!".

She giggles, "Any family members I should know about?".

I shake my head, "No, just my dad and me.".

She grabs my hand and squeezes it. I sigh, asking, "What about you?".

She smirks, "You've met my mom. You've also met my stepdad, Terrance Weaver. I also have a step-sister, Annie. She's actually in our grade!".

"So you took his name?", I ask.

She nods, "Yes, he raised me, so I feel like his daughter. I get two now!".

I frown, "What, how?".

She laughs, "You asked me two questions, well actually three just now, but I'll be nice.".

I roll my eyes. Cheeky! Tessa asks, "So what are your friends' names? I've seen you with them, but I don't know who they are.".

I shrug, "Tyler Gram and Matt Stoneburge, we have all been friends since childhood.".

Tess asks, "Do you like any of the school's food?".

I nod, "Pizza, otherwise no. What about you?".

She sighs, "I like the chili and cinnamon buns!".

I make a disgusted face, "Gross!".

She states, "It is not!"

I laugh, "Fine, fine, shortie, you win.".

She glares at me when I say shortie. I smile, not caring if she hates it. "So, do you have any friends?".

She looks hurt, then grins, "Of course silly! Boe and Cloe!".

I shake my head, "Of course you're friends with the Twist sisters!"

She smirks, "Not all of us are with the popular crowd, Hollywood!".

I burst out, "Hollywood!".

She says, "If you can call me shortie, then I can call you Hollywood.".

I shake my head. No! She was the one that needed to be called Hollywood!

We argued and laughed, eating and playing, until the bell for the next lunch rang. I was so happy, yet there was a weight in my chest.