The Parking Lot (Sam's POV)

It had been a rough morning and it wasn't even nine o'clock, yet. Carter was rambling on about his big audition for the commercial after school. Listening to him repeat his one line, I couldn't help but giggle. As we entered the parking for school Carter pointed out a space just ahead of us, "Primo parking spot dead ahead," he said hinting for me to hurry. I made a beeline for the spot when a speeding white convertible cut in front me causing me to slam on my brakes. "Sam, watch out. Watch out," Carter panicked as the car pulled in to the space crookedly.

"You snooze, you lose," they all said as they got out of the car and continued their gossip. Gosh, I really can't stand those girls. How can Carter have a crush on someone like her?

"Well, if it isn't Shelby Cummings and her ladies in waiting." Give me a break, Carter. I thought. "Shelby wants me so bad." I just couldn't believe what he was saying. I had to do something to convince him he was wrong about her. But what could I say?

"You've never even talked to her before," glaring at him still flabbergasted.

"Oh, I've talked to her before, okay? In my mind." Turning my attention back to the three stooges I did my best to blow off anything Carter said about his infatuation with Shelby. "Let me tell you in my mind she wants me so bad."

"Carter, you could do so much better than Shelby Cummings. Even in your mind." Carter could close his eyes and throw a rock at someone better than her. She sucks! It looked like I finally was getting through to him, but before I could continue another parking space opened up.

"Oh, there's another spot," changing the subject while pointing.

"Got it." I guess, we could continue during lunch hour when he's not so distracted. As the other car drove away from the empty space, another speeding car cut in front of me. This time it was a SUV with hip hop music blasting from inside. It sped up close to my front bumper and backed in my spot before I could react. "Come on!" As their engine shut down two guys stepped and began laughing at us. Oh, geez. Not again. Figures, my car stalled again. As I took my frustration out on trying to start my car up, I looked up to see Austin Ames, the star quarterback of our football team exit the driver's side. Damn, I have to admit he looks pretty hot today. Even though he would never give me the time of day, he was still very nice to look at. On the other hand like Carter I've never said one word to the guy. For all I know he could be just like Shelby. Hearing Shelby yelling his name brought me back to reality. "I swear, people like Shelby and Austin are genetically programmed to find each other. How can so much ego be in one relationship?"

"Imagine what they say about you," Carter chiming in. I let out a small sigh.

"They don't even know I exist."

"Ew! Stalker-azzi at 3:00," Madison said pointing at Carter. Shelby scoffed.

"The white zone is for cool people only. No geeks," yelling with a condescending smile. The girls began giggling. Looking over at Carter, I surprised they didn't say anything about me. Considering they gave me the nickname I've had since freshmen year.

"Hey, uh, Diner girl can I get a breakfast burrito to go? Thank you," one of the guys added. All of them except Austin began laughing at both of us. I guess, I spoke too soon.

"And you thought they didn't even know you existed," Carter said with a half smile. It's like he completely ignored what she said about him and immediately acknowledged what was said about me. Not wanting to start an argument I just blew it off.

"Right." I started my car up and pulled around to the back row finally finding an space. Today, was going to be another one of those days.