Author's notes: Ok sorry for the wait but the first version of this chapter that I had on my phone was deleted by accident so I had to restart. Thankfully, I remembered a lot of the details though but all in all, I'm glad it got deleted. I feel like I've written an even better chapter because I had to restart and that's pretty much what I was trying to go for, a good chapter. I really wanted to release this yesterday but like I said, the story got deleted. Anyways thanks for the amazing reviews and all the support. I always read all of them and they really inspire me to keep writing. So enjoy!
"Marco hurry up hurry up!" Star said cheerfully.
"I'm coming I'm coming," I mumbled as I slipped on my backpack and headed towards Star. She was awfully cheerful today and couldn't wait to get to school. She probably wanted to see Oscar again.
"I can't wait until I see Oscar again," she said dreamily. See? What did I tell you?
I turned away from Star and scowled. "Alright Star stop fantasizing we got to hurry to the bus stop. The bus leaves in 5 minutes," I said.
Star snapped out of her trance. "Ok," she replied. We hurried over to the bus and hopped on right before we left.
"Phew, another close one. Right Star?" I said. She didn't reply. "Star?" I said looking around the bus. After a few seconds of searching, I found Star sitting next to Oscar hugging him contently with hearts in her eyes while he sat there emotionlessly holding his keytar.
I pursed my lips and turned my head to look out the window. Did she really have to fan over him on the bus too?
"Hey Marco what's up?" my friend Ferguson said as he sat down on the seat behind me followed by my other friend Alfonzo who sat next to him. "And where's Star?"
Without turning my head, I pointed to where Star and Oscar were seated in the back of the bus. "Whoa what happened to them?" Ferguson asked surprised.
"Yesterday Star asked Oscar to go on a date with her and asked him to be her boyfriend at the end of the date. Now she's even more love struck with him than before," I mumbled.
Ferguson slowly smiled. "Thats great!" he exclaimed. "She's had a crush on him for months now! I'm glad they finally got together."
"You should be careful Marco," Alfonzo snickered. "She might be replacing you," he burst out laughing along with Ferguson. My face froze. Replacing? Star wouldn't do that would she? Then again, she does have Oscar now.
Apparently they both noticed my expression and stopped laughing. "Hey Marco we were just kidding! She wouldn't replace you." Ferguson said. "Yeah it was just a joke," Alfonzo said.
"But... how do I know for sure?" I said uncertainly.
"Marco Marco Marco, I thought you were Star's best friend. Everyone knows how nice and cool she is. She isn't the type of the person to give up on a friend no matter what situation they're in. She's always there for her friends thats why everyone likes her," Ferguson said casually. "You were the first person she really met when she came here right? You should have a little more confidence." Alfonzo nodded his head in agreement.
I perked up a little. "You know what Ferg? Your right. Thanks for that man," I said thankfully then laughed. "Who would've thought Ferguson could give good advice?" I said.
"Hey!" Ferguson exclaimed as Alfonzo laughed.
It went like this for the rest of the bus ride. We talked about movies, Ferguson's mascot costume, and joked around a little bit while stealing occasional subtle glances at Star from behind the bus, who looked very much content with the position she was in as she talked to people around her.
I decided to stop feeling sorry for myself. Who was I to want her all to myself? She should be able to choose what she wants to do to be happy, like the rest of us. And its not like Oscar's evil or anything. After all, he doesn't seem like a totally bad guy. Maybe I was just being selfish.
Yeah thats it, I was being selfish.
The bus stopped at the school and we all filed out. I headed towards my locker alone today, since Star was with Oscar. I grabbed my books and headed towards first period. As I walked, I thought about my conversation with Ferguson and Alfonzo. I mentally facepalmed. How could I have been so stupid? Ferguson was right. Star wouldn't abandon any one of her friends. Thats just the way she is.
With this in mind, I confidently walked at a faster pace towards first period and sat down as the class started.
Time passed by and it was lunch time. I got my lunch tray from the lunch lady and headed towards my usual table where me, Ferguson, Alfonzo, Star, and sometimes some of her friends sat down and ate lunch. As I walked towards the table, I frowned as I noticed that Star was absent.
"Let me guess... Oscar?" I said as I sat down. They both nodded as they pointed to where Star was sitting. She was sitting right next to Oscar and talked to all her friends who were listening intently while Oscar just sat there touching keys on his keytar.
"So what was that about not being replaced?" I said as the depressed feeling I had on the bus this morning came over me.
"Oh relax Marco, no ones getting replaced." Alfonzo said.
"Ok so she's not replacing me, but what if she doesn't have time to hang out with me anymore?" I said nervously.
Ferguson put a hand on my shoulder. "Does it look like she's not going to have time for you?"
I turned around to see Star looking at me with a smile in her face as she waved from her table. I smiled and waved back.
"Ah, you guys are right. I guess I just worry too much," I said laughing. "I don't even know why I got so worked up in the first place. It's not like-" I turned to see Ferguson and Alfonzo looking at me weirdly. "Uh guys?" I said. "Why are you looking at me like that? Your creeping me out."
They didn't respond. "Guys hello? What wrong with-"
"Marco..." Alfonzo interrupted. "Are you... blushing?"
"Huh?" I felt my face. It felt warm. "W-w-what? I'm not blushing," I said unconfidently. "Must be your guys imagination." I turned my head away from them.
"No we're pretty sure you started blushing as you started looking at Star. Come to think of it, you have been acting really weird since she went on that date with Oscar." Ferguson said suspiciously.
"Guys, I have no clue-"
"Wait a minute... YOU LIKE STAR?" Ferguson and Alfonzo said and gasped at the same time.
"SHHH! Keep it down! You'll give people the wrong idea!" I whispered desperately as and checked around me to see if anyone else heard what they said. Luckily everyone was busy in their own conversations so they hadn't notice. Was it that obvious that I was upset over Star and Oscar dating?
After looking one more time to make sure that no one had heard, I relaxed back into my seat. "I-I have no clue what you guys are talking about," I said unconvincingly.
Ferguson and Alfonzo giggled. "Marco you can quit the act now. The jig is up!" Ferguson said.
I sighed. I've been keeping this a secret from them for MONTHS now and they hadn't noticed a thing! But when Oscar and Star go on ONE date they solve the entire mystery. Agh it's like my life is just one big horribly written fanfiction!
"Alright fine I admit it. I may have a tiny crush on her," I confessed.
"That must be why you were so scared that she was getting rid of you!" Alfonzo said excitedly. "Your jealous!"
"I am not jealous," I huffed.
Ferguson and Alfonzo looked at me then looked at each other. "He's jealous," Ferguson said. "Totally," Alfonzo agreed.
"Guys!" I said exasperated. "So maybe I have a little crush on her. Big deal! Point is, she has Oscar right now and thats all that matters," I finished crossing my arms.
"Aw its alright Marco. We'll help you get Star back," Ferguson said. "Trust me, I'm an expert with the ladies. I'll share some of my tips with you," he winked.
Me and Alfonzo looked at each other before bursting out laughing. "You!? And-and girls? BWAHAHA!" I laughed wiping a tear from my eye, trying to catch my breath.
"What? Whats so funny?" Ferguson said confused.
"Well Ferg," I chuckled. " No offense but your not really a 'ladies man'."
"Yeah I am! Watch I'll get Star to fall for you."
I laughed. "Ferguson its okay really. I've decided that I don't want to win her back."
Ferguson and Alfonzo looked at me weirdly. "Ok Marco now your just talking crazy," Alfonzo said.
"I want her to be happy right now. She seems really happy with Oscar right now and I don't want to ruin it. Promise you guys won't interfere or anything?" I pleaded.
"If you say so Marco." Ferguson said.
I smiled. "Thanks guys. Besides, I couldn't even-"
"Um hi is someone sitting here?"
I stopped as I turned around to see the origin of the voice. Standing behind me was a pretty girl about an inch shorter than me with long black hair holding a lunch tray while looking down at me with a nervous smile. She had white skin, sparkly, green eyes and wore a red shirt along with blue jeans.
"Oh ummm no. No one's sitting here today," Marco said. He patted the seat. "Here sit down."
The girl smiled as she sat down. "Thanks a lot. You seem really nice," she said.
I blushed. "Oh well thanks I gue-" I was caught off guard as Ferguson pushed me out of the way and leaned closer to the girl.
"Hey whats up? I'm Ferguson but uh you can call me Ferg," he said trying to sound suave. "Listen I know we don't know much about each other but uh, how about we-" he stopped as I pushed his face out of the way.
"Sorry about that," I nervously laughed. "he can get kind of weird sometimes."
"Hey!" Ferguson yelled.
The new girl giggled. "Oh its alright I don't mind too much."
"So, uh why did you come to our table?" I asked trying to start a conversation before it got awkward.
She blushed. "Oh well I'm new here," she said. "I transferred and today is my first day of school. I don't really know anyone but you guys looked like you were having so much fun over here that I thought I'd join you."
I smiled sympathetically. "Well you joined the right table!" I announced proudly. "We're always accepting more cool kids right guys? Guys?" I turned to look at Ferguson moaning as he ate his pudding and Alfonzo sitting there sweating nervously as he stared and smiled creepily at the girl.
"Ugh," I face palmed. "Sorry they're usually much cooler, I said.
"Hey we can still hear you you know?" Ferguson said.
"I know," I replied with a grin as we all burst out laughing. "Alright, alright sorry about that," I cleared my throat as I turned to the new girl.
"No worries," she giggled, "You're really funny ummm?" she trailed off.
I mentally slapped myself. I had forgotten she didn't even know our names yet. "Oh right. I'm Marco Diaz and these two here are Ferguson and Alfonzo."
She smiled. "I'm Sarah Wincell. Nice to meet you," she smiled.
I returned the smile. "Nice to meet you too."
After that, we talked about a lot of random stuff like how we would if Star was here. As it turns out, Sarah was a fun person to talk to. At first, she's shy but when you get to know her, she's almost as energetic as Star and had a really good sense of humor. It was nearing the end of lunch when I thought of something.
"Oh hey. I almost forgot. You said you were new here right?" I asked.
Sarah nodded her head and looked at me inquisitively.
"Is it okay if I could check your schedule then?" I said.
"Yeah sure!" she said as she pulled out her schedule. "Here you go!" she sang.
My eyes widened. "We have the rest of the day in the same classes!" I said surprised.
"Really?!" she exclaimed, excited. "Maybe you could... show me around?" she said shyly. "Pretty please?" she said as she gave me puppy dog eyes.
"Ohh fine I guess someone has to," I said jokingly.
Sarah's eyes brightened and I could have sworn there was... a hint of a blush on her cheeks? No no now I'm just imagining things. "Hooray!" she said excitedly. "I have to go grab something from my locker really quick. I'll be right back," she said as she hurried back over to her locker.
I watched her go out the lunch room. "Dude that was awesome!" Ferguson yelled suddenly.
"Mhm that was pretty slick," Alfonzo added.
I looked at them weirdly. "Uhh what are you guys talking about?" I questioned.
They both looked at each other before snickering. You just scored with the hot new girl!" Ferguson exclaimed. "She's totally into you!"
My face flushed. Me? Why would anyone be into me? I hate to admit it, but I'm not exactly popular around here. "W-what? No she isn't. I have no idea what your talking about," I said turning my head away.
"C'mon Marco this is a golden opportunity! Star obviously likes Oscar so this will be a great way to get over your crush!" Ferguson exclaimed.
I sighed. "Guys this is crazy. I'm not-"
"I'm back!" Sarah called with books in her hands running over to the table. "So ready to show me around?"
I smiled. "You know it," I said. She squealed as she grabbed my hand and held it tight as we started to walk out of the lunch room as my friends gave me a thumbs up.
As Sarah was dragging me along, I began to notice that some of the people from different tables were glancing at us and whispering. I shook my head and ignored it and turned back to Sarah who seemed to be very happy at the moment.
We walked out of the lunchroom and I started to show her around the school. It wasn't a very big school so there wasn't much to show but you could still get lost if you didn't know your way around.
"...and this is the gym," I said as the school bell rang indicating the end of lunch. "Oh man, the bell. Well thats it for our tour I guess. Lets get to our next class."
"Awww," Sara frowned. "Are you sure we have to?"
"Yeah Sarah we don't want to be late for class right?"
"Oh alright," Sarah said glumly then stopped. "Wait a minute... you have the same classes as me for the rest of the day right?!"
"Um yeah I checked your schedule remember?" I said confused.
Her face lit up. "Well what are we waiting for? Lets go!" she grabbed my hand again and hurried over to her next period with me stumbling in the behind her.
"H-hey hold up!" I said as we ran into class.
She giggled. "So where do you sit?" she asked.
I pointed to a seat in the second column in the front. "Over there, right next to..." I faltered after I took a fast glance at Star who was in a seat close to Oscar talking to him with a smile on her face. I turned back to Sarah. "Nevermind I sit over here," I said sitting down in my normal seat.
"Sarah's face lit up again as she sat down next to me where Star normally sat. "Is anyone sitting here?" she said. "Usually, but not today," I said. As I was talking however, I could've sworn out of the corner of my eye I saw Star looking this way as she frowned then turned back to Oscar.
The bell rang and the teacher walked in. "Alright class. Today we have a new student. Sarah, please introduce yourself."
Sarah looked at me for a second and I gave her a nod.
She stood up. "Hi I'm Sarah Wincell. I'm 14 and I love to do well, pretty much anything," she said shyly.
I gave her a thumbs up.
"Wow so pretty," a guy in the back of the class said accidentally. The class turned to him then laughed as he covered his face in embarrassment then turned back towards Sarah.
She blushed a dark red before answering back. "T-Th-Thanks," she stuttered looking down.
The teacher cleared her throat. "Well nice to meet you Sarah. How are you enjoying Echo Creek so far? Made any new friends yet?"
Sarah smiled nervously. "Well Marco's been showing me around and has been really nice to me since I got here," she let out.
"Ooooooohhhh Marco you player," someone said on the other side of the room and the whole class laughed. I blushed and lowered my head somehow still smiling.
The teacher cleared her throat again. "Ok class settle down. Now that we've gotten through introductions let's begin class."
The class groaned as Sarah sat down blushing a bright red. She turned towards me. "I'm sorry Marco I didn't mean to embarrass you like that. The words just slipped out," she said sadly.
I looked up. "No no it's fine! It's fine really!" I said. "I'm not embarrassed thanks for what you said."
She grinned. "Anytime Marco."
The rest of the day went like this with me talking to Sarah while occasionally stealing some glances at Star and Oscar, yet feeling a little less depressed when I saw them now. It made me happy to know I made a new friend, though a lot of people constantly teased me asking if we were dating or not.
Eventually, school ended and we walked out of school together. "...and then I ran away while he chased me!" I laughed recalling a situation I had once been in. She laughed along with me "I bet he was really angry. After you drew all over his face."
"Yeah you bet he was, he kept yelling and cursing at me but never caught up to me," I said.
"Hey Marco!" a girlish, bubbly voice called.
I turned around to see that the voice belonged to none other than Star.
"Oh hey Star. I haven't seen you all day. How's it going with Oscar?" I said.
"Oh he's just the best," she said dreamily. "he's over there heading to his car." she pointed. Sure enough, that was exactly what he was doing. She shook her head. "But enough about me what about you what have you been up to?"
"Oh I've just been hanging out with my new friend Sarah," I said as I gestured towards her. Sarah smiled shyly and waved. "Hi."
"Oh I guess I didn't formally introduce you guys yet. Star this is Sarah, Sarah this is Star," I said.
"Oh are you Marco's friend?" Sarah asked.
Star laughed. "Friend? Psh yeah right! I'm his BEST friend!" she exclaimed proudly. I could've sworn I saw Sarah frown a little bit as Star said that.
"Wait where were you then for the whole day? I've been with Marco for almost half the day and I haven't even seen you anywhere near him." Sarah questioned.
Star blushed. "Well thats because I-"
"...she's dating a guy named Oscar and wanted to hang out with him." I stopped her before things could get awkward. "I mean you can choose to hang out with whoever you want right?" I said nervously.
Sarah opened her mouth but before she could answer back, we heard a voice in the distance. "STAR BUTTERFLY! HAND OVER THE WAND!"
We turned to look at where the voice was coming from to find Ludo standing in front of an already closing portal with his minions behind him.
"Fat chance Ludo!" Star yelled as she pulled out her wand. "Marco you ready?"
"You know it!" I grinned excitedly as I got into my battle stance. "Sarah stay here, its dangerous." I said.
"MINIONS! ATTACK!" Ludo yelled as me and Star leaped into action.
Star first ran towards Buff Frog. "Narwhal blast!" she yelled as a giant narwhal came out of her wand and hit Buff Frog, causing him to be moved back ten feet. She stopped and turned around to find Bearicorn trying to sneak up on her. She jumped back and yelled "Cupcake blast!" as a cupcake came out of her wand and pelted him in the face.
Meanwhile, I was fighting Man Arm and Spikeballs. Spikeballs swung his spike hand towards me which I dodged with ease then I jumped up and kicked him in the face. Unknown to me, Man Arm had crept up to me and grabbed hold of me. "Agh!" I yelled.
"Marco!" Star yelled as she tried to get to me but was blocked by more of Ludo's minions.
I was struggling to get free before I heard Man Arm yell "Ow!" and release his grip on me. I jumped down and punched him before he could take hold of me again. I turned to see who saved me.
"Sarah?" I said incredulously. "What are you doing?"
"I'm a blue belt in karate!" she said as she punched a giraffe minion in the stomach. "Watch out!" she said as she pointed at me.
I turned to see Man Arm, who had now recovered, swipe at me. I dodged his attack and swipe kicked his feet making him fall down. and hit his head.
"Ah!" I heard Star scream as she was grabbed by Buff Frog. "Star!" I yelled as I tried to get to her only to be punched by a three eyed giant baby. It was at that moment in the middle of the fight, we heard a horrible sound. All of Ludo's minions covered their ears.
"What is that horrible sound?!" Ludo yelled. "MINIONS! RETREAT!" he said as he opened a portal back to his lair.
Ludo and his army eagerly ran towards the portal clutching their ears so they didn't have to hear the horrible sound and closed it as fast as they could.
I sat up from the ground with a headache and turned to look where the music came from. Sitting there on his car, was Oscar Greason playing on his keytar as he rocked his head back and forth.
"Oscar!" Star screamed from behind me. I saw her run towards Oscar as he kept playing his music. Star went up to him and gave him a hug. "Thanks for saving me!" she said.
"Oh, uh sure I guess," he said as he stopped playing for a second to address Star.
I rolled my eyes. He probably hadn't meant to save us but his music was just so terrible Ludo and his minions ran off. It didn't effect us that much since we heard it almost all the time at school.
"Hey Marco are you okay?"
I turned to see Sarah looking down at me in worry.
"Yeah I'm fine," I said standing up. "Thanks a lot by the way. I didn't know you knew karate."
She smiled, embarrassed. "Well it's just a hobby. It helps me clear my mind sometimes but I didn't think I would actually use it."
"Well anyways, does this happen a lot?" she said.
"Oh yeah it happens all the time. These guys keep on coming and we just keep beating them back," I laughed.
"Well I already picked up on that but that wasn't what I was talking about," she said.
I looked at her confused until she pointed towards Star sitting on the grass listening to Oscar while she thanked him for saving her.
"Oh..." I said. "Well no. They've never really attacked right after school before so this is kind of new. But I didn't think this would happen," I said as I sighed. I didn't think Oscar's music could be so... helpful in a fight. I guess this means he's better at protecting Star than I am.
"Um Marco?" Sarah said, effectively snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Oh uh yeah?" I replied.
"Do you.. I don't know... like Star?" she asked nervously.
I blushed. "W-w-what? N-no of course I-I don't!" I said. "I care for her though and I really don't want to see her get hurt is all."
Sarah looked at me for a little then smiled. "Well if you ever need," she leaned in with her mouth close up to my ear. "I can always be there for you," she whispered.
I blushed even harder in surprise as Sarah pulled away.
She stifled a laugh. "Wow you should see the look on your face."
I shook my head a few times before I laughed. "I-I guess."
She laughed for real this time. "Well I've got to get going. See you around Marco! And tell Star I said goodbye. She seems really nice." she said as she walked away.
"Bye," I said weakly still blushing as I waved at her.
"Bye!" she called out brightly and walked away.
I smiled, feeling awesome inside as I turned around to see Star listening to Oscar's music as she was sitting down. It was kind of strange though. It seemed like she wasn't really listening to him for some reason. She looked more like she was in deep thought really. But the strangest part about it wasn't that she looked deep in thought. It was because I didn't feel the pain I felt when I looked at them this morning. "Alright Star c'mon we got to go!" I called to her brightly.
Star got up and said goodbye to Oscar as she walked over to me. "Hey Star are you alright?" I said. She looked like she was still thinking about something as she walked up to me. She snapped out of it. "Huh? Yeah its just been a long day," she said.
"Yeah. I'll tell you what. Let's get home and I'll make you some of my super awesome nachos!" I said.
Star brightened up at this. "Yay!" she exclaimed as she skipped ahead of me.
I laughed. Some things just never change.
Author's notes: Next chapter I'm planning on adding Star's POV because I definitely to develop Star more. Next chapter coming up soon and please tell me if there's something wrong with my writing. Thanks!
PS: I just realized my chapters keep getting longer than the one before it.
