He was just about to take a bite of his lunch when someone sat across from him. HE looked up and placed his sandwich down to face the new comer. "Hello Dr. Ericksson. Is there something I can help you with sir?"

"Please, continue eating, Reid. I don't want to interrupt your lunch," the teacher replied placing his hands on the table. "I know this is unorthodox but I need your assistance with something immediately."

Once again he focused on his food as he wondered what the professor needed him to do. HE was accustomed to being asked for help. Dr Ericksson was his favorite teacher and he gave the best extra credit projects. "Do you need help organizing the chemicals or figuring out the PH balances of the experiments?" he asked curiously.

The professor smiled fondly as he looked at his prize pupil. Reid Oliver was going to go far in the world. There was no denying that. He was bright, astute and very practical. He was focused as well, and that would serve him well in his chosen career. "Actually I was hoping you could tutor a student of mine. He is having some difficulty understanding the material, and I think he would benefit from your expertise."

Truthfully he thought Reid would benefit from this pairing as well. Mr. Snyder was very open and friendly, and while Reid wasn't necessarily antisocial, his people skills left a lot to be desired.

Reid pursed his lips and thought about the teacher's request. HE really didn't want to take on another task, but he guessed it wouldn't be that big of a deal. "I suppose I can spare some time for you, sir. Who is this student who needs my help?"

"He's right over there," Dr. Ericksson said pointing to a younger blond sitting a few tables away. Reid looked over just as the boy turned his head, their eyes meeting briefly before Reid focused his gazes elsewhere. Of all the people who could have needed help why did it have to be him?

"I don't think I can do it after all, sir. Um…" Reid struggled to talk his way out of it. He wasn't sure if he could be in the same room with Luke Snyder.

"I insist, Reid," Dr. Ericksson said placing his hands on the table as he stood up. "You are good at what you do, and Mr. Snyder would benefit greatly from your tutelage"

"We don't travel in the same circles." Reid tried lamely.

"More the reason for you to do it. I'll let Mr. Snyder know that he can meet you in the library after school." The teacher was gone before Reid could argue any further. He sighed and allowed his gaze to seek out the student he'd be tutoring. He wasn't as sure as Dr Ericksson was that this was a good idea. HE and Luke were far too different.

Luke was sitting beside a taller boy with dark hair. They were engaged in what looked like a heated debate. The dark haired guy was gesturing wildly while Luke crossed his arms in front of him and looked stubbornly upset. "Such a drama queen," Reid muttered under his breath before gathering his things and leaving the cafeteria. Now that a new task had been added to his day he needed to rearrange his workload and make sure his homework was complete. His day had just become a little more complicated.

"You aren't going to win," Jordan laughed as Luke's lip twitched. "Come on, you know you can't resist me. Go ahead give in. You know you want to laugh.

Luke was determined not to crack. HE would not react to Jordan's silliness, not this time. His arms were crossed and he wore his most stubborn look, but his best friend was relentless. Did he really just stick a French fry up his nose?

"Oh my god, you are terrible," He exclaimed before covering his mouth as if he had just revealed a big secret. Jordan grinned and tousled his friend's hair.

"You are too cute when you're embarrassed," he giggled.

"Jerk," Luke said shoving him playfully. HE turned away for a moment to glance at the table across the room. Much to his dismay the table was empty and he wondered how he had missed seeing the guy leave.

"Luke," Jordan's voice drew his attention. "Hey. Where did you go just then?"

"Nowhere," Luke shrugged it off. "I'm here. Just wondering why Reid was staring at me before.

Jordan tried not to roll his eyes as he looked in the direction his friend was staring. Ever since their freshman year he had listened to Luke talk about Reid Olive. Frankly he didn't know what Luke saw in the guy, but since he knew Luke had a crush he dealt with hearing about him. After all that's what best friends were for.

"HE probably wasn't really looking at you," he commented as he snaked an arm around Luke's shoulder. "I don't think the guy knows how to be friendly."

"You don't know that, Jordan. You've never met him."

"Neither have you," Jordan countered. "We're sophomores and he's a senior. He's completely out of our league and he has never bothered to look at you before so…"

Luke sighed and covered Jordan's mouth to shut him up. "I get it okay," he said frowning as he turned back to his food. "There's no way Reid would ever think twice about looking my way."

"And besides that he's probably straight," Jordan pointed out. HE sighed when Luke glared at him and decided it was time to change the subject. For the rest of the lunch period they discussed the latest issue of Spiderman. Luke was smiling by the time they left the cafeteria, but in the back of his mind he was still thinking of Reid.

Luke copied the notes carefully and paid attention to everything his teacher was saying. Their first huge exam was coming up and Luke needed to pass to bring up his grade. Of all the classes he had this year Dr. Eriksson's Biology class was the toughest. He felt like the teacher was speaking a foreign language and his first few quiz grades had been horrible. Dr. Ericksson had suggested that he needed a tutor. They were going to discuss that option after class.

He listened as Jordan answered a question without having to look at his notes. He wished he could do that. His best friend was smart and didn't need a tutor in science. There wasn't much that Jordan couldn't do in Luke's mind. His best friend was amazing.

There was only one person who was smarter than Jordan. Luke was certain of it, and he had been from the day he saw him writing out complicated physics problems on the chalkboard. At first Luke just sat there watching from afar. The boy's hair was tapered perfectly above the ears with just enough touching the nape of his neck. He was taller than Luke, but not near as tall as Jordan; he was a giant at fourteen.

Luke imagined that the boy was nice looking, but he hadn't been prepared for the blue eyes that assaulted him when the boy turned. Dr. Ericksson was addressing the youth, and Luke learned his name was Reid Oliver and from that moment on he couldn't stop thinking about him.

Class ended without much fanfare, and Luke asked Jordan to wait for him while he spoke with the professor. Jordan agreed and stood outside while Luke waited for Dr. Ericksson to start their conference.

"Thanks for meeting with me, Luke," the teacher said taking his seat. "I trust you know why I wanted to see you."

"Yes, sir," Luke said running his fingers through his hair. "I know my science grade leaves a lot to be desired. And I know that if I don't pass this next test I can't play basketball."

"You aren't doing as bad as you fear, Mr. Snyder. I think you just need a little more help understandi8ng some of the finer concepts. That's why I have recruited one of my students to help you out."

"Are you sure," Luke asked. He was certain his science skills were as bad as he thought, but Dr. Ericksson didn't seem too concerned.

"I'm positive. I believe that with the right tutor you will be fine. I've asked Reid Oliver to work with you starting today after school. He will be waiting for you in the library.

Dr. Ericksson continued talking, but he lost Luke at the name. His head was spinning. This could not be happening. He could not be this lucky. Reid Oliver was going to tutor him? He took a deep breath and told himself to relax. This wasn't about anything more than school. Reid was doing Dr. Ericksson a favor…and Luke needed to focus so he could pass.

"Reid?" Luke asked needing to make sure he had heard correctly.

"Yes, he is the brightest student to come through Oakdale high in recent years. Is that a problem Mr. Snyder?"

"Oh no," Luke shook his head. "No, that won't be a problem at all. I promise I won't let you down."

"I have faith in you, Mr. Snyder. You are a good student and I don't want you to be discouraged. Everyone has a subject they struggle with."

Luke smiled politely though he wasn't certain if he believed that. He couldn't imagine that there was something Reid wasn't good at.

They talked for a few more minutes about the upcoming test and Luke jotted down some extra notes before he gathered his things and left the classroom. Jordan was sitting on the floor reading, but he jumped up when he spotted his friend.

"So what did he say?"

"I have a tutoring session this afternoon," Luke informed him as they walked down the hall.

"So he did find you a tutor. Who is it?"

Luke grinned and focused on the locker he was attempting to open. Jordan hit the locker with his fist startling Luke even though he knew he should have been used to that by now. The locker popped open immediately and Luke quickly found what he was looking for. "Thank you," he said closing the offending locker yet again. "Reid is going to tutor me. Isn't that great?"

Jordan didn't know what to say to that. Reid Olivier was going to tutor Luke? That wasn't great. It was a disaster.

"I'm supposed to meet up with him in the library after school."

"And he couldn't have found you another tutor?" Jordan asked. Someone more personable?"

"Jordan," Luke said with an exasperated sigh. That's not fair. What has Reid ever done to you?"

Jordan bit his tongue knowing any answer he gave at the moment would make Luke angry. His best friend was right; Reid hadn't done anything to him…at least not yet. Jordan just didn't like him. It was that simple.

"Come on," Luke's voice broke through his thoughts. "We're going to be late."

"What does it matter," Jordan asked as he followed his friend. "It's just study hall."

Reid was already in the library when Luke arrived and skidded to a stop. He was seated at the table with his head bent slightly as he read from a textbook. Luke couldn't help but notice how nice he looked in his pressed button-down top and tan slacks. His features were soft and not too harsh, and Luke wondered curiously if anyone had ever told him he had a nice smile.

"Are you going to stand there gawking at me for the next hour or can we get started?" Reid asked turning the pages of the text book. Not once did his eyes move from the page, and his smart tongue startled Luke out of his haze. "You are Luke Snyder aren't you?"

"Yes…I'm sorry," Luke said taking a seat at the table. "I hope I didn't offend you by staring.

Reid looked up and studied the boy before him. Truthfully Luke hadn't offended him at all, and he was curious as to why he felt the need to apologize. He shook off the question, dismissing it as pointless and focused on the textbook in front of him. "Dr. Ericksson said you need help understanding Mitosis and Meiosis, and the cell division process."

"I know what Mitosis is," Luke started as he opened his textbook. "But I get lost trying to figure out all the stages of the cycle and how they work together."

Reid rolled his eyes and focused on the book in front of him again. HE was convinced that Luke was just a brainless jock and this was a waste of his time. "Mitosis," he said pointing at a picture in Luke's book "is part of the Eucaryatic cell cycle. Do you know what Cytokinesis is? It's the process when one cell splits from its sister cell," he answered himself when Luke looked down at his notes. "All of this will be on your test. Cytokinesis occurs usually after cell division. Mitosis is part of the cycle."

Luke frowned as he listened to Reid talk. HE understood everything he was being told, but what he didn't get was why Reid was being so short with him. IT didn't make any sense.

"Why don't you understand?" Reid asked exasperatedly.

"I'm not frowning because I don't understand," Luke retorted. "I'm frowning because you're being a jerk."

"I'm trying to help you. You're the one who needs me."

"And acting like I'm stupid is what you classify as helping me? I don't think so."

Reid pursed his lips and closed his textbook. "This is a waste of time. I have better things to do than sit here and be lectured by a stupid jock."

"Wait a minute," Luke said grabbing Reid's arm before he could stand. "Why are you being so mean to me? What did I ever do to you?"

"You exist."

"You don't know me," Luke said his voice taut with frustration. "It's not fair to just dismiss someone because of a stereotype."

"That's a big word from someone with your-"

"My what?" Luke cut him off. "My level of intelligence?" He heard someone shushing him from behind and lowered his voice remembering they were in the library. "If you must know, Reid, I am for the most part a good student. I had straight A's coming into high school, but I quickly learned that my strengths are in the arts. English, psychology, history…I'm great at those. When I look at science it's almost like another language. I get it, but sometimes I just need extra help. Is that so wrong?"

"I suppose not," Reid relented when he couldn't think of a witty comeback.

"How would you like it if I just assumed you were a selfish, pretentious ass just because you're smart and hold your head up high?" Luke asked crossing his arms.

"That's not what you think?" Reid asked seemingly surprised by Luke's statement. "Most people do."

"I'm not most people." Luke uncrossed his arms and kept his hands on the table as he looked at Reid. "From the first time I saw you I thought there's a handsome guy with brains. You were working out Physics problems on the board and I was just in awe. Then you turned around and I saw amazing blue eyes and a nice smile. After that day I just thought you were cool and quiet…very private and somewhat shy."

Reid couldn't do anything but stare at the boy who sat across from him. HE realized he had really misjudged Luke completely. And more importantly or perhaps disturbing, Luke had pegged him completely. "Enough of this," he said needing to change the subject. He opened his book and gestured for Luke to do the same. "Tell me what you need help with so we can get started."

Luke was secretly pleased that he had unearthed the senior, but he wasn't going to press his luck. He opened his book to chapter four and focused on the notes he had taken in class.

"So where were we?" Reid asked watching Luke read.

Luke looked up at him, their gazes locking momentarily before Reid looked away. "I believe we were discussing Meiosis,"

Jordan was sitting on the porch when he finally made it home. He waved at his best friend and entered the house prompting Jordan to follow him. "How did it go?" Jordan asked taking a seat at the kitchen table.

"It went fine," Luke replied grabbing two cokes out of the fridge. He didn't see the point in mentioning the discussion from earlier. That was between him and Reid. "I think I can learn a lot from him."

Luke took a sip from his cola and pulled his notebook from his bag. Jordan followed suit and silently they started working on their homework. They were still working when Luke's parents entered the kitchen and asked if they were hungry.

"Are you staying for dinner, Jordan?"

"Yes, ma'am. You know I can't resist your cooking."

She smiled at him before turning to her son. "How was school today honey?"

"It was good," Luke replied. "Dr. Ericksson found me a tutor and we had our first session today."

"That's great sweetie. I know you were having some difficulty with science."

"I'm proud of you, Luke," his father said placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "I'm glad you are staying on top of things so you can play basketball. How are you doing, Jordan?"

"Great," Jordan smiled holding up his lukewarm cola. "Thanks to Luke here I even got a good grade on my book report. He's such a good writer."

Luke smiled at the praise but he was no longer paying attention to the conversation going on between Jordan and his parents. His mind drifted back to his tutoring session with Reid. Now that he had met Reid Oliver he was certain that he was right about him. By appearance he seemed standoffish and maybe even a bit rude, but that was only if you saw the surface. To Luke it seemed like Reid just didn't know how to relate to people. HE found it curious that Reid expected him to stereotype him. Perhaps he was reading too much into it, but he wanted to think that a part of his reluctant tutor was glad that he saw beyond the mask. AT least he hoped so.

"Luke are you even listening to me?" Jordan's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Huh?"

The point of The Pearl," Jordan repeated his question. "It's about greed right?" Luke nodded and plunged into a discussion about Jon Steinbeck's famous story. All thoughts of Reid for the moment were forgotten.

No matter how hard he tried, Reid couldn't stop thinking about Luke. From the moment the blond stood up to him in the library he found that he was intrigued. There was definitely more to the guy than Reid had originally thought.

One thing that ultimately impressed him was how smart he was. Luke didn't give himself enough credit. He was actually better at science than he thought. And then there was the way he seemed to understand people. HE wasn't really sure how he felt about that. It scared him a little…and he didn't do scared.