The first time the jealousy hit was when I saw the two leaning in for a kiss in the hallway. I walked out of my father's classroom (because, of course, he followed us to high school) and noticed Farkle at his locker. His slim body leaning up against it, his long brown hair sticking up at all angles. 'Like I just rolled out of bed' he would say. I rolled my eyes at the thought. I saw Smackle come up behind him, surprising him. He turned to look at her. They exchanged words and then I saw him start to lean down.

I physically froze. I couldn't breathe. It felt like I was being run over by a truck. I could only stare at the kissing couple. I could feel a presence right beside me, but I couldn't glance over. I couldn't.

"Riles? Riley, are you okay?" My best friend's voice floated to my ears. But I still couldn't move. In my periphery, I saw Maya turn to see what I was staring at. When she saw the couple, she let out a small "oh" and grabbed my arm.

"Come on, honey. We're going to have a little chat." I was telling my brain to make my body move, but it wouldn't respond. I heard Maya sigh to the left of me. "Hey, Huckleberry! I need your help here."

I felt two strong (not very 9th grade like) arms wrap around my waist. Lucas flung me over his shoulder and started to carry me in the opposite direction of where Farkle and Smackle were.

"Bay window?" he asked.

"Bay window," Maya responded.