Dean Portman sat at his student issue desk enjoying the peacefulness of being alone in his dorm room. He didn't know where Fulton was the other Bash Brother had taken off after practice and hadn't returned since. But that didn't bother him though because he loved getting some peace and quiet. No one knew Portman liked the silence, like being by himself, that he didn't mind not having his stereo blasting Ozzy 24/7. His favorite pen glided across his notebook in his large and remarkably neat writing. He loved that pen and notebook his grandmother gave them to him, when received the scholarship to Eden Hall. The pen had been his grandfather's, he'd had it all Portman's life, it had always been protruding from the pocket of his grandfather's shirt and the notebook was leather bound and the initials D.E.P. (Dean Erik Portman) engraved in the front. The sound of Fulton's heavy combat boots on the corridor floor shattered the noiselessness. Portman quickly grabbed the remote to his radio and turned the Disturbed c.d. on full volume. He did have a reputation to up hold after all.

"What you doin' dude?" Fulton approached the desk and Portman shoved his notebook in the desk draw swiftly before he could see it

"Homework." Portman lied

"Well put it away, we gotta get down to quad they're staring the film in fifteen minutes."

"What are they playin' again?"

"The shining."

"Fine let's go."

The Bash Brothers walked down to the courtyard and found where the rest of the Ducks were seated. Luis was cuddled up on a blanket with his girlfriend Emily, Banks was sitting in a lawn chair, his girl Carly resting her back against his shins and his head resting on the top of her head. Charlie was leaning against a nearby rock with his girlfriend Cat in his lap while Connie and Guy played kissy face despite the fact the movie hadn't stared yet. Portman settled on the grass and stared up and the side of the Library where the movie was going to be projected onto. That's when she walked by him. Samantha Wyatt, she was smart, beautiful and way out of his league. Samantha was the editor of the school paper and student council treasurer and she hated jocks. She thought they were brainless and barbaric, especially hockey players.

"Are you staring at Samantha Wyatt again?" Russ arched his eyebrow noticing the stupid grin on Portman's face.

"No." Portman retorted defensively

Russ glared at him knowingly
"Go talk to her before the movie starts."

"What do I say to her, my usual lines aren't gonna work on a chick like her."

"Try, Hi cutie I'm the guy that's been in love with you since freshmen year, wanna get a soda." Averman interjected and Portman growled at him. "Or you could try hello."
"Come one I'll go with you." Fulton offered, as the best friend he figured it was his duty.

The Bash Brothers walked over to where Samantha was standing with her friend Renee Keats and Montana Shurns. Portman stood behind her unmoving for what seemed like an eternity until Fulton pushed him into Samantha's back. She whirled around with slight annoyance in her emerald eyes.

"Oh I'm sorry." Portman managed. When did he become so bashful (no pun intended)

"No it's alright, as long as you're sorry." Samantha smiled

"Can we help you with something?" Renee crossed her arms

"Umm… yeah… I was sitting over there and it… uh accord to me that… we never met before. I'm Dean Portman." He extended his hand

"Samantha Wyatt, Renee Keats and Montana Shurns. Nice to meet you Dean." Samantha shook his hand and then turned back to conversation she was having with her friends.

"Oh that was smooth." Portman scolded himself as he and Fulton rejoined the Ducks

"I take it you blew it?" Kenny asked

"Oh yeah big time."

"Well there's always tomorrow."