a/n: sorry for the long delay everyone, my muse for this story was sick or something but she's all better now (finally) and I didn't want to force it or this chapter would have turned out to be total crap.

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight! Who told you that? (Haha, yeah apparently my creativity is lacking today)

"He's looking at you again."

I glanced up from my tray to see Jenna's gaze fixed pointedly over my shoulder, a frown marring her pretty face. Her hands were tense as she unconsciously balled her napkin in a tight fist. She was clearly not happy with all the attention I was receiving. Not that I even asked for any.

"Ignore him," I hissed.

She scoffed, flipping her hair across her shoulder with practiced skill.

"How can I ?" she muttered irritably, " The boy's practically shooting laser-beams at the back of your head!"

She didn't have to tell me that, I could feel him staring at me. I could practically imagine Seth at his table, gazing at me like a zombie while the rest of his friends looked on in confusion. It made me uncomfortable, and I attempted to use my thick hair as a barrier between me and the rest of the room.

No success.

The prickly feeling was still there, eating away at my already frazzled nerves and making me hyper-aware of every small movement. Of course Jenna wouldn't be the only one to notice Seth's strange behavior. Arianne and her table of Barbie wanna-bes were constantly shooting me heated glowers while the rest of the lunchroom looked on in blatant curiosity. It was mortifying, having so much focus on you at one moment when just a few days ago you could have easily blended into the wall. I didn't see how someone could crave such torture.

"Jenna," I whispered urgently, "We have to leave. Now."

Her brows slanted at my desperate tone and her eyes darted around the room only to return to mine with a mischievous glint. Uh-oh.

"Center of attention are we Madds?"

I gritted my teeth and she smiled, obviously realizing the power she held.

"What do you want?" I growled. Anything to get out of this hell-hole.

She raised a brow, shooting me a look of disbelief.

"Tell me."

What?

"Tell you what?" I asked confusedly.

Was this girl smoking?

"Tell me," she repeated and I stared blankly. She then made a series of wild gestures with her hands and arms that only left me scratching my head. Was I supposed to understand any of that?

"Seth," she barked impatiently, "Tell me how you got Seth to pay attention to you like that."

I felt the corners of my lips pull down at her words. She actually thought I did something to gain Seth's attention? Didn't she know me at all?

"Seriously Jen?" I demanded, "You know I absolutely can't stand attention from anyone, least of all Seth Clearwater!"

I had even ditched science class for the past two days just so I wouldn't be in his presence. Yes, I am that pathetic but could you blame me? It was like the moment people saw Seth talking to me they started to develop possible scenarios in their twisted little brains. Arianne even started a rumor that I was 'doing him favors' so that he would acknowledge me. So you can see why I wanted zero dealings with the boy. It wasn't worth all the drama. He wasn't worth the drama. So why did my heart practically dance when he was near? And why was his stare affecting me so much?

I saw a flash of guilt across Jenna's face but it was gone before I could read too much into it.

"Fine," she huffed, snatching up her tray, "We'll leave. Happy?"

"Oodles," I grumbled grabbing my own.

As we left the caf, Seth's burning eyes on my back, I could only pray that things would die down soon. Of course it was just my luck it would only get worse from here on out.

"Seriously Madds?"

I ignored Aubrey, shoveling another heaping spoonful of rainbow-sherbet in my mouth, relishing in the multiple flavors as it slid down my throat. Some of it plopped on the front of my shirt and I tugged it towards me, sucking off the sweet liquid without a moment's hesitation. I was never the type to waste food.

She wrinkled her nose in disgust as she took a seat across the room from the comfy couch I was sprawled across. The TV was blaring at a low volume but I tuned it out, too immersed in the tub of ice-cream in my lap.

"It's a wonder you're not humongous," she muttered, "You eat more than Fluffy used to."

Fluffy was our chronically obese dog that died of a heart-attack a few years back. I didn't know whether to be upset she brought the deceased pet up, or offended by the fact she compared me to a dog. I settled with shrugging, digging my spoon back into the sherbet.

Aubrey flicked through the channels aimlessly before settling on Dr. Phil to my immense irritation. She knew I hated the show because I felt psychiatrists were the most annoying people on the face of the planet. As if to prove my point she sent me a smug smile.

Ass.

The doorbell rang and neither Aubrey or I made a move to answer it. We figured if the person really wanted to see us they'd ring at least three more times. It rang again. And again. And again.

"Girl's, would one of you get the door please?"

My mom had poked her head from the top of the staircase, curly hair sticking up in random directions and brown eyes bleary. She had spoken to us both but she was looking directly at me. I moaned. Must I do everything? Grumbling to myself, I stomped over to the door, yanking it open with unnecessary force.

The spoon fell out my mouth and the ice-cream slipped from my fingers, clattering against the white tile of the floor and splattering sherbet everywhere.

No.

Freakin.

Way.

This could not be happening to me.

But considering how screwed up my life's been lately I really shouldn't have been surprised. Seth's lean frame towered over me, hands shoved deep in his pockets and a pained look on his handsome face. His eyes were looking directly into my own, a puppy-like quality emitting from within the hazel orbs.

My heart thumped.

Had his eyes always been that beautiful?

"You've been avoiding me," he accused.

Ya don't say?

I found the strength to tear away from him then, staring at the cracks on my front porch and trying my best to ignore the sudden ache that shot through my chest at his dejected tone.

"Yeah I- uhh..I've been….busy," I fibbed.

He frowned at my obvious lie but didn't comment on it. He was staring again. My body was tingling from head to toe as he took in my disheveled appearance. I was in a ratty old t-shirt that had a hole near the hem, and pajama pants that I'd slightly out-grown, the bottoms barely grazing my ankles. The only thing remotely decent was my hair, lying flat against my head in heavy strands that reached my lower back. I coughed self-consciously and his gaze snapped back to mine, an enormous smile on his face. I flushed.

"Well, I guess we can start now then." he mused and I frowned.

Come again?

"Start what exactly?" I asked.

The boy had the nerve to look amused.

"The project," he answered, "You know, the one you would have known about if you hadn't been playing hooky from science for the past two days?"

His smile broadened as he watched the knowledge sink in. Project? No, then that means I would have to spend more time with Seth! What if people see us! Or worse, what if they find out he's my neighbor? Every possible conclusion ran through my head at lightning speed, and I clutched the sides of my head in despair.

"No,no,no,no,no!," I chanted and Seth's face fell, a wounded look now becoming present. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was pouting.

"Why not?"

Because you're frickin Seth Clearwater, that's why!

I never got to say those words however, because Aubrey was suddenly in the doorway, a pleasant smile on her face as she wrapped an unwanted arm around my shoulder. I attempted to shrug her off, but she just dug her nails into my skin.

"What Madds means," Aubrey clarified, "Is no, no,no,no,no,no! You can't stand outside all day, come right on in!"

Say what?

Seth smiled gratefully and sauntered past us into the house, glancing around before taking my previous seat on the couch, suddenly making it seem a lot smaller than it had a few minutes ago. I turned to my traitor of a sister, shooting her the dirtiest glare I could muster. What was her problem?

"What the hell?" I whispered in outrage, "What'd you invite him in for?"

Aubrey rolled her brown eyes, patting my head like an ignorant five year-old. I pulled out of her reach.

"Trust me Madds," she assured, "I am doing you a humongous favor."

I scoffed. Yeah, in what universe?

"And you might want to clean up a bit," she advised.

I followed her gaze to my feet and blanched. I had completely forgotten about the ice-cream. It had melted all over the floor, the result being the entire bottom of my pants and socks getting soaked. I dashed up the stairs past a curious-looking Seth, motioning for him to stay put as I went to change. I was tugging on a pair of old jeans when Mom came in. She took one look at my baggy sweater and jeans and released a disappointed sigh.

"What?" I snapped, defensive.

She shook her head.

"Madeline," she tusked, "There's a handsome young man waiting for you downstairs and your wearing that?"

Umm, ouch.

"So?" I told her, "It's not like we're dating or anything."

One glance at my mother's expression had me regretting that statement. She had that look in her eye. The look that got her everything she desired, no matter how ridiculous. And at that moment she wanted nothing more than for Seth to become her future son-in-law, no questions asked.

"I'm going next door to talk to Sue," she announced, "I'm sure she won't mind letting Seth have dinner with us tonight."

I groaned.

"Mom please don't."

My protest fell on deaf ears. She was already grabbing her coat and nearly skipped down the stairs.

Perfect. My mother thinks she's cupid.

I came down shortly after to find Aubrey and Seth in deep conversation, the latter laughing so hard he was gasping.

What in the world...

As soon as he saw me however, his laughter ceased, and his eyes brightened, mouth curving in a goofy grin. Aubrey turned to see what he was gawking at and I blushed, averting my eyes to the carpet.

Must he always get so… happy when he sees me?

My sister shot me a sly grin, getting up from her chair and bumping her shoulder against my own as she passed.

"You're lucky I'm not in high school," she whispered, "Or that boy would be mine."

I merely raised a brow. What was that supposed to mean? She wandered into the kitchen and I glanced at Seth who was watching her go with raised brows.

I frowned.

Had he heard her?

I shook my head at the ridiculous thought.

Yeah, maybe if he was part dog or something.

"Hey Maddy," he greeted and my heart skipped a beat.

Focus you idiot!

I did my best to ignore the fluttery feeling in my ribcage, sitting as far from him as the room would allow. He noticed, frowning slightly so that his eyebrows formed a little 'v'.

"Uhhh….Maddy?" he said, "We can't work on the project with you way over there."

Would he stop saying my name already? It was doing weird things to my legs. I couldn't have moved if I wanted to, which was seriously starting to freak me out. Why was Seth affecting me so much? I hated it! Only I really didn't. I just wish I did. Arrg, see? I couldn't even think straight!

My internal rambling must have been going on a while cause next thing I knew Seth's face was right there. I shrieked, trying to back away but only succeeded in falling off the chair. Smooth.

"You okay?"

I narrowed my eyes up at him. Was the boy blind? I had clearly just damaged my pride.

"Do I look okay?"

His eyes did a quick scan of my jumbled form, trailing from my face to my feet and back again, before exhaling in relief. Oh-kay.

"So," I began as I righted myself, Seth offered a hand but I pretended to not see it, "What were you and my sister laughing about earlier?"

I didn't really care all too much, I was just trying to ease my embarrassment of falling on my ass in front of the cutest guy at my school.

Seth grinned widely and I was nearly blinded by the brightness. Was it normal for someone's teeth to be that white? I didn't think it was.

"You." he smirked.

My eyes widened in horror. Aubrey didn't tell him anything embarrassing did she? If she did her make-up collection would soon be making a mysterious disappearance.

"Wh-what a-about me?" I stuttered nervously.

Please don't be embarrassing. Please don't be embarrassing. Please-

"She told me about the cat incident."

I could just die. That was easily one of the most humiliating experiences of my life. And trust me, I've had many, like the trashcan thing a few days ago. When I was younger my cousin brought her cat over. The fur ball hated me, but I was determined to get on it's good side so I followed it. Everywhere. I was so excited when the thing finally let me hold it—but it turned out it was just using me as a litter box. There was cat waste all over me.

I buried my face into my arms and Seth laughed, pulling them away with his large, burning hands. Seriously, did the kid have a fever or something?

"Relax Maddy," he chuckled then sent me a small smile, "I thought it was cute."

Cute? How in the world was a cat shitting on someone even remotely cute? But Seth continued to smile and I found myself blushing anyway.

Of course my mom had to walk in right at that moment.

"Hey Seth sweetie, your mother said she didn't mind if you stayed and-"

She stopped herself mid-word and I snatched my hands back, looking anywhere but the boy next to me. Mom smiled real big, and probably would have squealed if I wasn't already giving her the death-glare.

"Dinner will be ready in twenty," she said instead and giggled the entire way to the kitchen. Another round of giggles sounded and I knew she had told Aubrey.

Somebody shoot me.

a/n: yeah so I cut it off there because I'm supposed to be typing an essay that's due in the morning. Please review, I can't read minds sadly, so I would love to know what you all think.

~Jackie