Chapter One

Arthur Read walked into Lakewood High School on monday morning. He walked over to his locker and dialed his combination. A second later his locker clicked open and he started to gather his books for his first few classes.

His best friend, Buster Baxter, saw Arthur from across the hall. He walked over.

"Hey man," said Buster.

"Hey Buster," Arthur said.

"What's up?" asked Buster.

"Not much you," Arthur replied.

"Not much. Except I'm asked Muffy Crosswire out last night," Buster said with a big happy smile.

"Really?" asked Arthur. Buster nodded. "what did she say?"

"She said yes man," said Buster. "I'm so happy I have had a crush on her for years and now she and i are going to be boyfriend and girlfriend."

"That's great pal," Arthur said. "I'm happy for you."

"Thanks Arthur," said Buster.

"Your welcome," Arthur said.

"You know what you should do?" Buster then added as Arthur closed his locker and then locked it.

"What?" Arthur asked as he looked at him.

"You should ask Francine out," Buster said.

"Francine Frensky?" Arthur said.

"Yes," Buster said. "You have had a crush on her ever since you were young kids."

"But Buster, Francine and I are just friends. She's an awesome friend and everything and yes i do have a major crush on her, it's just, i don't think she feels the same way that i do for her," Arthur sighed.

They walked to their math class and stood outside of the doorway.

"Look man what if she does feel the same way that you do for her? Then she will say yes to you when you ask her out," said Buster.

"True. But what if we break up, then it might ruin our friendship," said Arthur.

"It won't," said Buster. "If you like her man then go after her."

"You think i should?" asked Arthur.

"Yes," Buster answered and then he walked into classroom. Arthur heard Francine's voice and he saw her down the hall talking to Sue Ellen.

He walked over to them.

"Hey guys," said Arthur.

"Hi Arthur," said Sue Ellen. she turned to Francine. "I will talk to you later Francine."

"Okay bye Sue," said Francine

"Bye," said Sue Ellen and she walked away.

"Hey Arthur. What's up?" asked Francine.

"Not much. I wanted to talk to you," said Arthur.

"Sure. What about?" answered Francine. He grabbed her hand and they walked over to a corner. Then they sat down.

Arthur looked down at his hands and fiddled with them. His palms were staring to sweat so he wiped them on his jeans.

"Arthur?" Francine said.

'I can do this. I've liked her for years and I'm falling for her hard. I can do this' Arthur thought determinately.

He looked up into Francine's beautiful face before he grabbed her hand in his. He intertwind their fingers.

"Francine, I have liked you for years and I have just been afriad to tell you. But i want you to know that," Arthur told her.

"You like me?" asked Francine as she blushed slightly.

"Yes. I've liked you for a really long time, Francine," said Arthur.

"And," he continued.

Francine looked at him. "I wanted to know, if, you would go out with me tomorrow night," he finished.

Francine smiled. She has also like Arthur for years as well. And now her major crush, just asked her out on a date! She was so happy that she kissed Arthur on the cheek.

He looked at her surprised. A smile appeared on his face.

"Is that a yes?" he asked.

Francine nodded. "Yes its a yes. I will go out with you tomorrow night, Arthur," she said.

Arthur smiled happily before he kissed Francine on the cheek too. Then the bell rang as they stood back up and walked to their class.