CHAPTER ONE

This is after the 3rd book, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports. Pretend the Flock stayed at the Martinez house, and you can enjoy the story.

ELLA'S P.O.V.

I was sitting the dinner table with the Flock, and my sister, Max. My sister!! I couldn't believe it! I was so excited. I watched the other members of the Flock: Fang, Gasman, Angel and Iggy. Iggy... That was a nice name. He was kinda cute, too. I looked at him eat. He did it without spilling a drop! It was so cool!

"How do you do that so perfectly?" He could tell I was talking about him eating. He shrugged.

"Lotta practice," he said.

"Well, I think it's amazing," I replied. OMG, did I actually just say that! I quickely shoved some rice in my mouth so I wouldn't say something stupid again. But to my surprise, Iggy blushed.

"Thanks," he muttered, but he smiled in my direction. I turned beet red. Fantastic. Everyone was pretending not to notice, but "secretly" watching this entire scene. I was suddenly overcome with the feeling that I totally had a crush on Iggy.

And that I had to pee.

"Be right back," I said to Mom, and went for the bathroom. I was so embarassed. But I couldn't get Iggy's soft features and cute smiling lips out of my head. Yah, like he'd go for me. Well... 12 and 14. Only two years difference. Hmm...

After dinner, Max and I retreated into our room to chat. Soon, the conversation turned to the Flock.

"So," said Max, smiling. "I saw you and Iggy at dinner. Do you loooooooove him?" she giggled playfully. I blushed. Max raised her eyebrows. "You do like Iggy!"

"No! I don't! I just..." I trailed off as Max pulled me into a tight hug. "It's ok, Ella! I'm sure he likes you too! You just gotta make the first move!"

"And how much do you know about relationships?" I said, trying to call her off-guard.

She shrugged. "Not much. But I do know about Iggy. He likes explosive, fun, and girls. Yes. Definately girls. So... experiment!" She grinned naughtily. And right then and there, I decided to do it. He liked explosives? He's gonna love me. Explosive is my middle name.

FIVE DAYS LATER

After hanging out with Iggy a lot, I realized he's a totally cool guy. Not to mention cute! Iggy seemed to warm up to me too. So at dinner that night, I decided to take a chance. I sat down beside him.

"Hi Iggy," I said, my voice laced with flirtation.

"Hey," he turned to me and smiled. We talked for a while, until my mom put the food in front of me. Then we ate. No one could resist my Mom's food.

Then, during dessert, Iggy finished early and dropped his hands under the table.

I took a deep breath. Come on, Ella! You can do this! I almost chickened out. But I took my last bit of courage and used to to wrap my hand around Iggy's pale one under the table.

Iggy froze, and turned his head in my direction. I didn't look at him, even though he obviously couldn't see me. He seemed stunned and I didn't blame him. Oh god, he was gonna let go of my hand, he was-

Iggy squeezed my hand tightly, and intertwined our fingers. I blushed and felt on top of the world.

But then... he let go. He let his hand drop and put them on the table. What? I was close to tears. Who squeezed back, like they like the person, and then lets go? I was so confused - Iggy was sending a mixed message.

Later, when we were about to go to bed, I past Iggy in the hall. Embarassed, I tried to get out of there quickely and quietly. But somehow, we heard me.

"Ella," he said softly, looking blindly in my direction.

"Yah?" I replied, equally quiet. Geez, whisper contest much?

He bit his lip, like he was making an unpleasant - but big - decision. He shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Ella." he looked down. "We.. can't."

"Oh, um... ok.." I said, choking back tears. I walked past him, into my room, but as I was right behind him, he shot his hand and squeezed mine. Then he dropped it and went into my room.

Now I was more confused then ever, and not feeling good about it.

What were his intentions?

IGGY'S P.O.V.

Dammit, why did I do it a second time? I wonder what she thinks my intentions are.

What are my intentions exactly?

And why do I act like this to her?

A/N: If I get 2 reviews, I'll update before 11pm tonight. Kiss coming in chapter 2!