It was Friday, December 13th. Emma shuddered at the thought. Every Friday the 13th, something bad happened to her. On Friday, September 13th, 3 orders of smoothies spilled on her at Ernie's in front of a crowd of the "popular" kids. Luckily, the others were there to back her up from all the hurtful comments.

Just for safety precautions, she convinced her dad to drive her to school. Sitting in the back seat of his Honda Leaf, she pulled out her 5 page essay about why Earth is the way it is today. To keep it twice as protected, she covered it in a plastic folder with a zipper on the end. Today was not going to be a good day for her.

Troy realized what day it was. The 13th. On a Friday. Today was going to suck. Every Friday the 13th, something bad would happen to somebody because of him. On Friday, September 13th, he poured 3 orders of green apple smoothies all over Emma. He felt so bad for her after that. It was twice as bad, because all the "cool" people laughed at her because of that.

But after all that, he kept his head held high, telling himself today would be a good day.

He reached school and hoped that he wouldn't be such a clumsy dope.

Reaching first period earlier than the rest, he pulled out his math book to study for his test today. Emma reached class five minutes later. She stared at the ground to keep from tripping over the slightest speck of dust.

"Hey Emma," Troy called.

"Oh, hey."

"What's with the long face?"

"Do you realize what day it is?"

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I still feel really bad for what happened at Ernie's in September."

"Hey, don't worry about that. I smelled really good afterwards!"

Troy let out an easy laugh that made chills go down Emma's spine. She sat down in front of him, unpacked, and turned around. They just stared at each other for a few seconds before Troy spoke up.

"What?"

"It seems as if you're trying to avoid me. What's on your head?'

"It's just that I want to keep from doing anything stu-"

Troy was cut off when his math book fell to the ground.

Emma giggled. "That makes two of us." Troy smirked at the comment, and reached to pick up his book.

Suddenly, the "popular" kids entered the class. The looked at the duo and started to laugh. One of the girls, Angie, came to the front.

"Well, well. If it isn't Emma Goodall. Oh, and Troy Burrows. How cute. What losers. Let's go."

She motioned for the rest of the group to follow her.

"The nerve of some people," Emma chimed. Troy just stared at the desk. Realizing she didn't get her expected reply, she turned around. "Hey, what happened?" Troy looked up at Emma and she saw his eyes were watery and filled with tears. Emma got up and knelt down beside his desk.

"Hey, don't worry. There's an old saying that explains that however somebody is describing you, they're basically describing themselves that way. Trust me, nothing bad happened. I'm right by your side." She gave him a smile, and reached in to give him a hug. He returned it with pleasure. It made him feel so good that he wasn't alone.

8th period was about to begin, and Emma wasn't doing so good. In 2nd period, she belched out a huge coughing spree. At lunch, she slipped on some spilled milk while trying to grab a napkin. In 4th and 5th period, she got terrible grades on her tests. In 6th period, she accidentally dropped her books on her foot. In 7th period, she embarrassed herself by humming really loudly. Now, she couldn't wait to see what happened.

Thank goodness Troy was in her 8th period along with the rest of the gang. She felt as if this was one of her worst Friday the 13th's. She walked up to her locker and saw Gia.

"Hey, G. How's it going?"

"Great! This is the best day ever! The cutest boy at school gave me one of his pencils! Isn't that sweet?"

"Sure. Well, it's terrible for me. I wonder how it's going for the guys."

"Jake and Noah are doing well. Troy's actually not doing so good. He's already embarrassed a bunch of people."

"That's terrible!"

"I have to go now. See you in 8th, Emma."

"Bye. Man, what am I going to do?"

At that moment, Mr. Burley was carrying a tray of smoothies. In about 10 seconds, he would slip on a banana peel right behind Emma. At that same time, two bullies would walk up to Emma. But for now, Troy came up to Emma.

"So how's the best day ever?" Troy sarcastically stated.

"Terrible. I feel like a creep-"

"Watch out!" Troy immediately caught Emma in his arms while Mr. Burley spilled the smoothies in front of her locker.

"Thanks Troy. That was so sweet." Emma couldn't wipe the huge schoolgirl grin off of her face.

"No prob. Here comes more trouble."

The two biggest bullies walked up to the Sky Rangers.

"Well hello, Cinderella and Prince Charming. Somebody told me you both were in love. Come on, pucker up Cinderella. You don't deserve him."

"In your dreams, Sid," Emma boldly scolded, "Besides, the name's Emma."

"C'mon. I've known you since we were 3."

"So?"

"So pucker up. It's about time you fell in love with me."

Troy came in between. "Didn't you hear her? She said no."

"Aww, Prince Charming thinks he's so strong."

"Try me," Troy challenged.

Sid aimed at Troy and tried to punch him. Troy easily blocked it and pulled Emma behind him. He blocked all of the bully's attempts. The second bully, Alex, was behind Emma, and when she realized he was about to hit her, Emma screamed Troy's name for dear life. He immediately turned around and blocked Alex's attempt. He caught Emma, yet again, in his arms. Sid and Alex were exhausted and upset that they looked like fools.

Meanwhile, Troy was staring at the girl he was holding, and smiled at her.

"Hey," he lamely said.

"Hey, Troy. It looks like you made this the best day ever. You really are my Superman." With that, she gave him a big hug. Maybe it wasn't going to be so bad for them both, knowing they had each other to rely on.