I do apologize if this is very fast paced. I have not written since The Alchemist Lights A Spark, so I probably have gotten pretty sloppy since then. Anyway, thank you for checking out this story. ^-^

Children have a care-free life. Chasing one another on sidewalks on sunny days, getting cuts and bruises from falling on concrete. They rely on their mothers to pick out their clothes, cook their meals, and clean their cheeks.

Love is always given to them with no payment in return. Warmth, hugs, kisses on the cheek. Children take advantage of what is given to them.

Allen Walker knew this very well.

The silver-haired boy stared out the window from his desk, watching the other children play on the playground. He wanted to play with them, but he knew they would just be ignored.

No one befriended him because of his large, red scar on his face. Allen wished he had at least one friend. At least one. That way he would no longer be called the loner of the class. The misfit.

Allen let out a small sigh and began to read his book. To Allen, books were the only escape from the real world. He could pretend he was fighting dragons and monsters with the protagonist. Or travel the world as an explorer in adventure novels. Or solve mysteries in detective novels. But this paradise was only temporary.

"Everyone, come back inside!" yelled Miss Lotto. The class whined and filed back into the classroom. "We have a new student joining our class today."

Allen sat up in his seat and closed his book. New student, he thought to himself, Great. Another person that will ignore that I exist.

"Come on in, sweetie! Don't be shy!"

A girl with black hair in pig tails walked into the classroom. Her steps were very slow, as if something was going to attack her if she took a wrong step.

Allen couldn't stop staring at her. Wow, she's... she's so pretty. Why... Why is my heart beating so fast? I don't even know her yet, and I already feel this way. Calm down Allen! She is just another person that will ignore you like everyone else. So what if she has long hair that compliments her shiny, dark, beautiful eyes. Argh! Snap out of it! He tried to look away, but couldn't.

"What is your name, sweetheart?" asked Miss Lotto

"Lenalee Lee"

Lenalee... I never heard of that name before. What a beautiful name...

"Nice to meet you, Lenalee. I'm Miss Lotto. And these are your new classmates. Say hello to Lenalee everyone."

"Hi, Lenalee!" yelled the class.

"Hello" answered Lenalee shyly.

"You may have the desk next to Allen. Allen, raise your hand."

Allen raised his left hand. Oh my gosh! She gets to sit next to me! Me! Out of all people! Lenalee walked over to her new desk and sat down.

"Ok everyone! Open your orange textbooks and turn to page 21."

Allen stole glances of Lenalee till' the dismissal bell rang.

"Everyone, remember to find a partner for the new science project. I will be emailing the instructions to you tonight, so be ready!" Everyone but Lenalee and Allen sighed in despair. The class began to ask each other if they wanted to be partners. As usual, the students that NEVER paid attention in class would either get a nerd to be their partner, or get a girl that liked them to be their partner. What kind of jerk does that to a lady?

Class was finally over. Partner? No one will partner up with me, so might as well not even ask anyone. Allen slipped on his backpack and began to walk out the door until someone tapped him on his shoulder.

"Um, your name is Allen right?"

Allen turned around. He felt his face beginning to turn red. Lenalee.

"Yes."

"Um... I wanted to ask you if you had a partner for the science project."

"Uh, no... I usually work alone."

"Well, would you be my partner?"

Oh man... I can't believe it! She wants to be my partner!

"Uh... Yeah."

"Alright! Thank you so much! Well, see you tomorrow!"

And with that, Lenalee ran down the hallway and out the main school door. Allen could hardly move. He heart began to beat normally. A girl. A girl actually talked to me. And we get to work together on a project. I never thought this would ever happen to me. I can't screw this up!