Cody was not looking forward to this for a number of reasons. The first being the obvious- that he didn't want to complicate Geoff and Bridgette's relationship. That being said, he could see Geoff wasn't particularly concerned about Cody challenging him for Bridgette's affections. Cody considered taking a page out of Geoff's book and not sweat the impossible. Bridgette may have been nice to him, but that alone did not mean that she had a crush on him. He pushed the matter out of his mind for the moment as he did not want to be interrogated about his thoughts should anyone ask him.

The second reason for his begrudgingness was that he didn't want to have to sit through an entire awkward lunch. Geoff and Bridgette were far from antisocial, but his group of friends were not always the easiest to get along with. Besides for Owen and Trent, no one at that table could be considered "popular". Every one of them had some quality that would drive Geoff and Bridgette away, or at the least make them feel increasingly uncomfortable. Izzy was just plain crazy, Noah's constant sarcasm was so thick you couldn't cut through it with a chainsaw, Harold was… Harold ('nuff said), and Gwen wasn't one for small talk with those she deemed too superficial to talk to.

Despite Cody's fears, he kept walking, mostly to keep up the appearance that he wasn't worried about this at all. In actuality, if there were no ramifications, Cody would just turn around and avoid the upcoming conversation altogether. They arrived at the long camp style table that looked like it seat around twelve people, which left plenty of room for all nine of the teens. Bridgette sat right next to Geoff who was seated next to Owen who had taken up two seats at the far end of the table. Seated across from Owen was Izzy and Noah. Cody decided to sit next to Noah and across from Bridgette.

"So guys, what's up!" Geoff said attempting to break the ice.

Trent responded first, "Nothing much, how bout you?"

"Nada on my side bro. Me and Bridge here—"

"Bridgette and I." Noah corrected.

Geoff had either not heard the bookworm, or simply did not care because he continued his explanation, "came to the fair this morning hoping to see some friends, but they ended up being no shows."

"Aw that sucks! But now you got us!" Owen chimed in.

"All thanks to Cody," Gwen said smirking, "Who has yet to introduce us yet."

Cody nervousness showed as he stumbled at his cue, "Oh, I didn't realize… Okay so everyone this is Bridgette and Geoff, as I'm sure you already knew and Bridgette and Geoff these are my friends," he began to point to each one as he named them off, "Owen, Izzy, Noah, Gwen, Trent, and Harold." He then added, "I'm guessing you all knew each other's names, this just eliminates in potential awkward situations later."

Cody relinquished the floor, but much to his dismay no one took it upon themselves to start a new discussion. Just then the pickup window rang a bell and shouted, "Order thirty-two your food is ready!"

Owen rejoiced, "Thank holy mother of god! Our food is ready!"

Cody quickly jumped at his opportunity to get out of this dead-end conversation, or lack thereof, by volunteering to get the food. He took the receipt to redeem their food and before anyone could object he was gone. When he returned with five boxes of pizza stacked in his arms almost eclipsing his head he was pleasantly surprised to hear that discussion had been sparked in his absence.

In fact there were two separate conversations going on: one between Noah, Bridgette, Trent, and Gwen on the left side of the table and the other between Harold, Owen, Geoff, and Izzy on the other. Coincidentally enough, Cody's seat was in the middle of both groups meaning he could pick which one he wanted to be a part of. He announced the arrival of the pizza and set them down. After everyone had taken their fair share of the pie, they returned to their previous discussions. Cody decided to listen in on the group to his left first: Gwen, Trent, Bridgette, and Noah.

"All I'm saying is that it's a great premise."

"And I'll I'm saying is that it's a totally implausible premise," Noah quipped back.

Despite the fighting words, Bridgette seemed in good spirits, "Well that is where we disagree."

"Bridgette, the school will never have a surfing team. We live like an hour away from the ocean."

Trent, who had been too busy stuffing pizza in his mouth, decided to chime in on the debate, "You get whatever accomplishment you are willing to declare."

Bridgette and Gwen looked to Trent, incredulous at the complexity of his comment. Noah on the other hand was unimpressed, "I'm fairly certain that's a Georgia O'Keefe quote."

Cody wondered, "Isn't that the artist who painted lady parts in flowers?"

Noah tapped his nose with his index finger, indicating through the old charades sign that Cody was correct. Cody did a subtle fist pump, celebrating his trivia knowledge.

This did not take away from how "deep" the girls had considered the saying to be.

"Whatever." Noah concluded, "I'm just glad to be done with such a ridiculous debate."

This regained Bridgette's attention and as she restarted her argument with Noah, Cody turned his attention to his other group of friends to his right.

"Gosh! Geoff I didn't know you felt that way!" Harold said, clearly taken aback.

"I'm sorry man that's just how I feel," Geoff responded rather defensively, "That's what my dad taught me and what his dad taught him."

"But dude, how can you still think that way." Owen queried.

"Izzy can't believe it!" she said referring to herself in the third person.

"Hey I'm entitled to do what I want!" Geoff said clearly not changing his opinion on whatever subject they had been debating. With that final conclusion Geoff took a ketchup bottle sitting on the table and squirted it all over his pizza. Everyone shuddered, including Cody. Ketchup on pizza? Now that was just gross.

It seemed that this atrocity effected Owen the most, "No! No! The horror! Geoff how could you!"

"Calm down man," Harold said trying to console the big oaf who was sobbing, "Everything will be all right."

After a couple seconds, all four of them broke character and joined in a group laugh.

Evidently this had been their discussion point from earlier and they were just playing their parts super dramatically. Cody was quite pleased by this. So far it seemed that the two groups had become fast friends, much to Cody's pleasure. For the next fifteen minutes conversations shifted, phone numbers were exchanged, and all nine teens seemed to get along just fine. Even Noah and Gwen, ever the cynics, couldn't help but be pulled towards the infectious cheeriness of Bridgette and Geoff. It had all turned out just fine, but just as Cody started to relax, Geoff and Bridgette began to act odd.

Trent started a conversation between all nine of the teens, "So guys, where do you see yourself in five years?"

Gwen groaned at the question, "Well obviously you want to be a guidance counselor."

"Ha ha," Trent mocked, "But seriously I think it's a legitimate question. I mean think about it, the future is so uncertain and you trying to predict it clears to haze a little bit."

Gwen laughed, "Well I suppose if I have to say I will be in my final year of college."

"Same." Cody agreed.

Much of the rest of the table uttered the same response, until Trent finally said, "Aw none of you guys are any fun. Don't any of you want to do something extraordinary?"

"I don't see you saying anything unique," Harold shot back.

Trent raised his hands up in defense, "Fair point. I want to be a famous rock star."

Geoff taking the initiative said, "That's cool dude! For me, I'll be partying it up big time, university style. Chicks everywhere and I'll be the king!"

Bridgette looked fairly upset with that answer, but didn't say anything. Cody understood why too. Those two had been dating for over a year now, so it was pretty insensitive of Geoff to not even consider that Bridgette would be a part of his future. That being said, no one else seemed to really consider this. That or they just didn't care.

After lunch, the group invited their two newest recruits to tag along with them the rest of the day, to which Geoff and Bridgette happily obliged. Since they were nearing the end of their day at the fair, everyone decided it was a good time to get conned out of their money via the rigged games.

Personally, Cody choose to waste his money on the classic "knock over the milk bottles" game. He paid the vendor his money and sure enough, after three throws, his money was wasted. Deciding not to try again, he wondered around seeing where the rest of his friends had gone. Harold was busy failing at the musketman game, Owen and Izzy were playing the ping pong ball in a fish bowl game, and Gwen, Noah, and Trent were competing at the "shoot the water at the targets and move your racer to the end" game. Noah had apparently won once before, as Cody could tell by the prize in front of room, and Gwen or Trent, or maybe both of them, had demanded a rematch.

Cody searched all over the rest of the mini game section of the park for Bridgette and Geoff but to no avail. Obviously he had missed them, since it wasn't very hard to get distracted with all the people and the vendor's constant attempts to get people, namely Cody, to play their games. Or maybe they had just left.

Just as he was about to give up the search and see how the rest of his friends were doing, he stumbled in on the couple. They had been standing between two booths, off to the side and obscured from view. Cody was about to make his presence known he realized they were talking, and judging by the mood, it was about something fairly serious. Not wanting to interrupt, Cody stood out of view and planned to appear when the moment felt right. He didn't particularly care to eavesdrop, but given his current situation he deemed it mandatory. How else was he supposed to know when the moment was right?

He was standing about ten feet away, so he could barely make out Geoff's voice, "Bridge you know I love you."

Bridgette sniffling, "I don't know Geoff. Do you?"

"Of course babe. You're my girl."

"Then how can you say that stuff?"

"What? My answer to Trent's question? Babe, I'm just keeping up appearances. You know you're the girl for me."

There was a silence. Then Bridgette spoke again, "So… what people think of you is more important than who you really are?"

"Well I wouldn't put it like that…."

"Then how would you say it Geoff?"

"I'm just saying all I care about is what other people think. I'm just saying it's important. I mean would you have gone out with me if I wasn't guy I am now?"

Cody could hear Bridgette actually scoff, "Of course I would Geoff. I am dating you for you! Not your rep!"

Geoff didn't respond to this. Cody didn't know if that was because he truly took this to heart or if he simply didn't know how to respond. Based off Bridgette's response, Cody guessed the later, "So you're saying you wouldn't have gone out with me if I wasn't 'cool' enough for you?!"

She was furious. All Geoff could do now was play catch up, "No babe. I'm just saying everything would be a lot different. Think about it like this. You didn't know Cody till less than a week ago and the only reason you two met was because of a fluke. Who knows if we would've ever met if I wasn't keeping up appearances? If we weren't both constantly seeing each other then we would've never gone out!"

"There aren't such things as flukes." Bridgette refuted.

Geoff, clearly confused, simply asked, "What?"

"Co—," Bridgette started before realizing that she should probably conceal Cody's identity lest Geoff get mad at him for what he had said, "A friend told me there is no such thing as a fluke and I believe them. Everything happens for a reason Geoff, including us. You and I would have found each other no matter what because that's the way the universe destined it to be."

"But Bridge, you're missing my point. If I was Cody or Harold or Noah would you still go out with me? Those guys would never have a shot with you, so what makes you think an uncool Geoff would?"

Bridgette softened her voice as if to show Geoff that she was now becoming more endearing, "Of course. I love you for you. The reason why we date is because you are the friendliest, most fun, easy-going guy I know." The two embraced before Bridgette backed up again, "Wait, what did you mean when you were talking about Noah, Harold, and Cody."

Geoff scratched his head and laughed, "All I was saying is that those guys are too… you know… dorky… to get a girl as awesome as you."

"How can you say that?" Bridgette said shocked by her boyfriend's response, "They've been nothing but nice to us today!"

"Hey don't get me wrong, I like the guys! It's just they aren't exactly the cat's meow."

"Ugh you're unbelievable," Bridgette said storming off, "I'm going back to our, sorry, my friends."

Cody didn't realize Bridgette had started walking towards him till she was three feet away. Seeing as he could not hide without being seen leaving the spot he was currently occupying (which proved his guilt almost as much as continuing to sit in his place), all he could do to avoid being caught eavesdropping was pretend to be walking towards Bridgette. This way maybe she would believe that he just happened to find them the same time she was leaving. Cody knew the solution sucked, but it was better than getting caught blatantly spying on the couple in what was clearly a moment they were only supposed to share.

He crashed into Bridgette and forced himself to fall down to sell the bit. Bridgette responded sympathetically, "Oh sorry Cody!"

She offered him a hand for help up, which he graciously accepted. Apparently his ploy had worked, though Cody did feel guilty about deceiving Bridgette. He managed to convince himself it was for the best though he couldn't help shake the feeling for the rest of the day that he had overstepped his bounds.

Over the next hour or so that the group remained at the fair, Cody couldn't really enjoy himself, not that anyone was the wiser of his feelings. He had been worried that Noah might pick up on it, but to no avail. Bridgette and Geoff had managed to put up a pretty good charade as well, and Cody guessed he was the only one that could tell something was wrong. Eventually, Geoff left giving what Cody could only assume was an excuse for his departure. This left Bridgette without a ride, though she did not seem too upset about it. Cody asked Noah if they could give her a ride home (since Noah was the one who had driven him) to which he obliged.

They finally ended up leaving the fair around 2 o'clock. After nearly 5 hours of fun, Cody, Harold, Noah, and Bridgette said their goodbyes to the rest of their group. Noah dropped Harold off first, followed by their newest companion Bridgette, until finally Noah pulled up at Cody's house. He thanked Noah for the ride and walked into his home, feeling confused about his involvement in Bridgette and Geoff's day at the fair.

Later that night, Cody was still confused, which was only amplified by a text from Bridgette. All it said was, "The fair was fun. Thanks for letting us tag along," but Cody was still not sure how to respond. He knew all about Bridgette and Geoff's fight, but she didn't know that. Should he tell her? Or should he just not mention it? He truly wanted to do the right thing. Since he was feeling so indecisive, he thought about his two options from a more in depth point of view (which he had already done nearly a hundred times today). If he were to tell Bridgette that he knew about her fight, he could help her work out her issues with Geoff and maybe the two could work things out. But she could also be really mad at him for eavesdropping which would only make the whole situation worse. If he decided to not tell her, he might get off without any repercussions, but there was also a good possibility (knowing himself) that he would accidentally say something that he wasn't supposed to know and give away that he had overheard their conversation. Bridgette had a right to know, but was she better off not knowing?

After about 20 minutes Cody responded to Bridgette's message, "Yep no prob. My friends loved you guys! Why'd Geoff have to leave so early?" Cody pressed send. He figured this was a good response. Not only did it make sure conversation didn't point towards him, it gave him hope that there was a slim chance that Bridgette would spontaneously open up to him so he didn't have to worry about his burden any longer.

His phone beeped and he viewed his new message, "Oh Geoff didn't say… But I know for a fact he was having fun."

'Dang', Cody thought to himself. So his plan for spontaneous admission on Bridgette's part had failed. Cody decided he would just ride this conversation out and see where it took him.

Right before Cody was about to start typing a new message his phone beeped again. He looked up the new text, which was again from Bridgette, "Geoff can be a little difficult sometimes. Sorry if he wasn't the most respectful person today. People don't notice it too often because of his good naturedness, but sometimes he can lack common courtesy. If only he were a little more considerate…."

Then Cody realized it. The answer to his problem was in front of him all along. He didn't have to tell Bridgette, because he would just help Geoff be a better boyfriend. That way Bridgette would forget about the fight and the point would become moot. Plus, then Cody would not feel nearly as guilty about hanging out and talking to Bridgette because not only would Geoff and Bridgette's relationship be more secure, but Geoff and Cody would become more acquainted with each other and develop some sort of friendship. He would no longer have to fear Geoff getting jealous of Bridgette and his friendship, because Geoff would know what kind of guy he was.

All Cody had to do now was find a way to properly implement his plan without letting Geoff know the motivation for his help. Eager to start mapping out a plan Cody sent Bridgette a quick text letting her know he had to go and took a seat at his desk where he drew up a strategy for mending Geoff and Bridgette's broken relationship.

Sunday went by quickly, so when Monday morning rolled around, Cody couldn't help but feel like he needed a little more time to better develop his plan. After physics class ended, he and Noah walked towards the gym, which would be the first class he would see Geoff in since the fair. It was definitely a fair statement to say that Cody was anxious, but that wasn't going to stop him from trying his hardest to make things right.

After changing into his uniform, he spotted Geoff on the opposite side of the waiting area. He was alone for the moment, so Cody saw no harm in approaching him.

Once Cody approached, Geoff looked up and greeted him, "Hey what's up man! Long time no see!"

Cody laughed nervously, "Yeah, I know right. So Geoff… how you doing?"

Geoff smiled, "Pretty good little dude."

"Ya? How's Bridgette doing?"

Geoff laughed, "I'm surprised you don't know. You've been talking to her as much as me lately."

"Yeah… sorry about that."

"No apology necessary amigo," Geoff replied, "Actually I'm kinda glad you've been talking to her."

"Yeah?"

Geoff nodded, "Lately she's stopped asking me as many questions. It's kind of a relief actually. I always have to try to think of the right answer with her."

Cody waited for Geoff to realize the error in what he just said, but after a few seconds Cody was surprised to find that Geoff apparently found no fault in his words. He tried to get Geoff to realize this by prompting questions, "But, I mean, isn't that what a boyfriend is supposed to do? Listen to his girlfriend." Geoff shrugged, but Cody was not ready to take that as an answer, "Dude, you got to do that kind of stuff if you want a girl like Bridgette."

Geoff frowned, "Yeah? You think? But I mean Bridge and I have been so good lately. We've barely fought and everything's been more chill."

He didn't know why he did it but suddenly Cody outburst, "But you haven't been good! You were fighting at the fair!"

As soon as he said it he wished he could take it back, but once it was out there Cody knew his cover was blown.

Geoff eyed him suspiciously, "And how would you know that?" All of the sudden Geoff flipped personalities completely. He went from his normal easy-going demeanor to a much more serious one, "Did Bridgette tell you! She said she wouldn't say anything!"

Cody knew he had to defend Bridgette before defending his own actions because she was the main reason he was "helping" in the first place. He retaliated quickly, "No, Bridgette didn't say anything. I sorta overheard you guys…"

"You we're eavesdropping on us dude! Not cool! Major party foul!"

Cody needed to regain control of this conversation. He explained, "Listen Geoff, yes I overheard you, but I was hoping that maybe I could help you. Now that it's no secret between us that you and Bridgette are on thin ice maybe I can be your inside man and help you skate off onto more solid ground."

Geoff contemplated this. Though he didn't look pleased by the situation, he did end up consenting to Cody's plan. Cody chalked up this up as a win. It may not have work smoothly, but it got the job done, and that was all Cody could ask for at the moment. Right after their conversation had finished, out walked Duncan Meyers towards the two of them. Not wanting to talk to the guy, Cody excused himself and said that they would talk later.

Just as he was leaving Duncan called to him, "Hey Pipsqueak where you going?"

Cody turned around to see the punk smiling. Geoff, standing behind him, had his hat over his eyes, clearly embarrassed by the situation. Cody made his way over to Duncan and asking almost inaudibly, "Yeah Duncan….?"

Duncan loved to torment kids like him. Cody didn't know what kind of sick, sadistic mind enjoyed tormenting other kids, but one thing was for sure, Duncan had one. Duncan lorded over Cody and half-laughed, half-demanded Cody tell him what he and Geoff were talking about.

Cody stammered, trying to find an excuse, because he clearly couldn't tell Duncan the actual reason for their talk, "Um, well you see Duncan, what Geoff and I were talking about… was…"

"Out with it dork!"

Duncan pulled him closer, grabbing his shirt collar and yanking it towards him. Cody was sure he was about to get punched. He hoped Geoff would say something to save him, but the party guy was either really fascinated by the inside of his hat or he didn't want to defend him. Before anything could happen though a familiar voice rang, "Lay off Duncan."

His savior was none other than Bridgette, and much to Cody's relief he felt Duncan ease off. Apparently the thug did listen to someone.

Duncan shrugged, "I was just asking the little guy a question."

Bridgette walked over, giving Duncan a face, "I'm sure. Cody are you okay."

Cody nodded, "Thanks Bridgette." He glanced over to Duncan who was grinning a wicked smile. He was sure he would pay for Bridgette's help later, but for now he was relieved.

Duncan called Geoff, who was hesitant but followed anyway, and the two walked off. Duncan bumped into Cody as he walked by and whispered so only Cody could hear, "Saved by a girl…"

Duncan may have thought that was an insult, but Cody didn't see how. A lot of guys would be embarrassed to be saved by a girl, but Cody was just pleased to be saved at all. He really couldn't care less who his savior was. He thanked Bridgette for her help which she assured him was no problem.

She asked, "So what was that about?"

Cody shrugged, "Just Duncan being Duncan."

Bridgette clearly knew there was more to the story, but decided to let it go. Knowing she was not going to get the answer from him, Bridgette excused herself saying, "I'm going to go check on Geoff. I don't know why he would hang around Duncan, especially after that. I'm sorry that Duncan did that Cody, and I'm sure Geoff is too."

Cody watched her as she departed and he finally made his way towards his own group of friends. Unfortunately, the only one of his friends that was currently at their usual meeting place was Noah who was sure to criticize and interrogate him in every way. The one hope Cody had was that Noah was reading a book, so maybe the bookworm had not witnessed the altercation.

"You're so obvious," Noah muttered as his best friend approached.

"Huh?"

"You heard me."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I have any idea what you're talking about."

Noah put down his book, "Cody I may be as you claim, 'completely devoid of all human emotions', but I even I can see you drooling over Bridgette." Cody still wasn't sure what Noah was talking about. His confusion made Noah roll his eyes, "Are you seriously going to say that you didn't notice that you liked Bridgette till I told you that?"

"But I don't dude. She's Geoff's girlfriend," Cody defended.

"Be that as it may, the heart wants what the heart wants my friend."

Cody shook his head, "No man you got it wrong, we're just friends."

Noah did not seem convinced but decided to give up on the subject and returned to his book. Cody hated that Noah didn't believe him so he continued trying to convince him.

Eventually Noah put his book down, "Okay, you may deny it, but the evidence is clear. Bridgette and you went out for ice cream the day you met. Since I'm your best friend I happen to know that is one of the few times you've ever gone out anywhere alone with a girl, platonic or not. And you being you, I'm guessing you were instantly attracted by her because she actually talked to you, not to mention her looks. I'm not saying that's the only reason you like her, just the initial reason. The whole time at the fair you kept drooling over her. First, you brought her over to our group without consulting anyone on Saturday. Later, you literally left just to go find her while the rest of us played games and then when she didn't have a ride you offered it when you weren't even driving. When you open your text message screen Bridgette has been in at least the top three 'most recently texted' contacts ever since you guys began talking. And just now, the subtext was so heavy I can bludgeon you with it."

Cody wasn't sure how Noah had memorized everything that had happened between Bridgette and him in the last week, but he was impressed. He wasn't convinced, but Noah had definitely put the possibility in his head. After all, he was doing everything he was doing for Bridgette. He was even trying to save her relationship so that Bridgette could be happy.

"Even if that were true," Cody said, not giving a definitive response, "I still can't do anything about it. She's Geoff's girlfriend and I can't take that from either of them." He waited for his friend's response to which there was none. Finally Cody asked, "Subtext?"

"It's the underlying message—" Noah started.

"I know what subtext is Noah!"

Noah chuckled, "Well what I mean is that Bridgette just saved you before going off to fight her next battle. Being the good princess you are you waved goodbye and stared lustfully as your hero departed. Honestly, it's the premise of Super Mario. Countless hours of video games and comic books have trained us to believe the hero always gets the girl, I just never thought you'd be the girl in this situation."

Cody's instinct was to continue denying Noah's accusations, but something held him back. Cody didn't know if Noah was right, but at the moment he wasn't completely wrong. There was no question that Bridgette was awesome and there were a lot of things to like about her, but he couldn't help but wonder if he liked her more than he had realized. Maybe he had subconsciously suppressed his original attraction towards Bridgette because he did not want to mess up her relationship. But it wasn't that out of character for him to help someone simply because he wanted them to be happy. He gave up his crush on Gwen and helped her and Trent get together before, so why wouldn't it be the same treatment for Bridgette? He just wanted her to be happy was all; nothing more to it. But then again, with Gwen it was nothing more than physical attraction. Back then, she was nowhere near as kind and selfless as Bridgette is now. Bridgette was the coolest, nicest girl Cody had ever met. She had instantly become a really good friend of his in the time span of a week. So was Noah wrong in thinking that there might be some attraction between them? Cody just didn't know. Maybe he was just being stupid. Just because Noah had suggested the possibility, didn't mean it was true. But even with that rationale Cody couldn't stop thinking about it. With all these thoughts swirling around in his head, contradicting each other, Cody would never be able to come up with a solution.

He toyed with the idea of Bridgette and his relationship through the rest of PE and the remainder of the day, wondering what his true feelings were. He had become so deeply buried in his friendship with Bridgette that he couldn't even tell if his feelings were true, romantic attraction or it was merely friendship. The more he thought about it, the more confused he became and by the time school had ended Cody's head was ready to explode. He had a lot to think about tonight.