Opposites Attract

Sam Montgomery and her best friend, Carter Farrell walked through North Valley High School.

"So, what's the audition for?" Sam questioned.

"It's a commercial for a cleansing cream. I mean, it's not much, but…" Carter's voice trailed off as he shrugged.

"At least it's a part," Sam finished.

"Exactly," Carter confirmed.

"So, what's the line?" Sam wondered.

"'Anything is possible if you just believe'," Carter quoted.

"Well, if you don't get it, those people are nuts," Sam told him. He laughed.

"Thanks," he said.

"So, what character are you today?"

"I decided to go as myself."

"Great. It's your best look." They laughed again as they went to their lockers and got their books. Then, they headed for their first class. Meanwhile, Austin Ames was talking to his girlfriend, Shelby Cummings and their friends, David and Ryan, as well as some of Shelby's friends, Mandy and Karen as they walked down the hall.

"So, can you believe how boring Mr. Miller was yesterday?" Shelby queried. Mandy and Karen nodded and laughed in agreement.

"What are you guys talking about? I thought the discussion was great," Austin stated. "I mean, the symbolism alone with Tom Sawyer's adolescent charm and learning life lessons such as following your conscience making tough decision. Then there's Huckleberry Finn's role as the representative of the poverty of the time…it's classic," he continued.

"Well, I suppose, but I just don't see the point of it. It's just a stupid kids' book," Shelby stated.

"Yeah, I haven't even read that book since fifth grade," Mandy added. Which is probably why you're failing the class, Austin thought to himself. However, he didn't say anything.

"I actually like that book. I mean, the part where Tom tricks all of his friends into painting the fence for him, it's really ingenious," Ryan added.

"If you liked that part, you should've said something yesterday," Austin told him.

"But it wasn't deep. I would've sounded stupid," Ryan protested.

"No, I think he would've been happy that you were reading it," Austin corrected.

"Really?" Ryan asked.

"Yeah, man," Austin answered. Ryan flashed a grateful grin at his friend. Maybe he'd say something later today. Carter and Sam were still talking and laughing as they approached the group.

"Uh-oh, geek alert," Karen said. Shelby and the others walked by and she knocked Sam's books out of her hand. Shelby, Karen, Mandy, and David laughed as Sam bent down to retrieve the books. Ryan chuckled softly, but looked over to Austin, who had lagged behind. He bit lip and followed the others

"Later, Diner Girl," David said.

"You need help?" Carter asked.

"No, go ahead. I'll get this," Sam answered, as she started gathering up her books, some of them textbooks, and some of them pleasure reading.

"You sure?"

"Yeah." Carter headed for his class. I don't believe this. Stupid, obnoxious, airheaded…Sam's thoughts faded as she struggled to gather up her books. She had just managed to get the books into a stack and grabbed them. She struggled to rise and-dropped three of the texts. "Oh, I don't believe this," she sighed in frustration.

"Need a little help?" a voice asked.

"Yeah, that'd be great," Sam replied. It's probably Carter or Terry, she thought to herself. The person grabbed some of the books and handed them to her.

"Thanks," she said, finally looking up. Her jaw dropped. "Austin?"