A/N: So I decided to post one more chapter tonight! I hope you guys like it, please review and let me know!


Mallory had skipped practice on Wednesday and helped out at the café instead. It was now Thursday and she was eating lunch with her friends. "So how is the tutoring going?" Emily asked, "You haven't said anything about it. Yesterday at the café, I got the sense you weren't telling us something. So spill girl."

"I think I like him," Mallory said quietly, "and so I've been trying to avoid him. That's why I offered to help out at the café yesterday because I didn't wanna see him."

"I knew it!" Chloe yelled.

"Could you keep your voice down? Anyway, I have to see him today at tutoring and I'm a little nervous," she admitted, "Plus, I know he doesn't like me."

"Mal, just be yourself. If he doesn't like you, then he's an idiot," Emily inserted.

"She's right, Mal," Chloe added.

"Thanks guys," she replied, "I just don't know how to act around him now."

"You'll be fine, I promise," Chloe commented, "Besides, you two together would actually be cute." Emily agreed with a nod.

Mallory simply smiled before saying, "Well I'll see you guys tomorrow. Remember girl's night at my house tomorrow night."

"I can't wait," Emily answered, "see ya tomorrow. Remember to just breathe!"


Mallory had just got to the library when she noticed Landon already there. "Wow, I'm surprised to see you on time," Mallory commented.

"Yeah well, you said to be on time, so here I am. The guys missed you at practice yesterday. Where were you?" he asked.

"I was busy," she stated, "now what would you like to work on today."

"I'll let you pick since you're the tutor," he replied, "by the way, there's a party at my house tomorrow night if you and your friends would like to come."

Mallory was speechless for a second before wondering, "Why are you being nice to me?"

"Look I just figured you would like to come and it's my way of saying thank you for tutoring me," he added.

"Oh ok," she replied, "I'll ask my friends and see what they say. Thanks for the invite though. Why don't we start with multiplying and dividing fractions today and see how you do?"

"Whatever you say. In case I haven't said it already, thank you for taking it easy on me," he commented with a smile. Mallory blushed at the comment and quickly looked down.

"You're welcome," she said quietly before directing him back towards math.

"I like this," he stated a few minutes later, "I mean we're actually getting along. So you see I'm not such a bad guy after all."

"I never said you were a bad guy. I must admit you act differently in tutoring sessions than outside this room," she added.

Landon laughed, "You're pretty different outside this room as well. You're so much different than other girls I know and it intrigues me."

"I'm only different around other people. My family and friends are the only ones who see the real me," she admitted.

"I'm assuming I don't fit in that category," he pressed.

"No, besides you see me as an average school nerd remember," she said not meaning to.

Landon sighed, "So that explains things. Look, I didn't mean…"

"Whatever, I don't care what you think of me because we're not friends. I think this tutoring session is over. Tell my dad I won't be coming to practice," she stated getting up out of her chair.

"Wait," he said grabbing her arm, "I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean anything by it. Trent was simply hounding me about you and I said that stuff to get him off my back. Mal, please can we just forget about it?"

"Only my friends and family call me Mal," she said pulling away from him, "and I don't think I can tutor you anymore."

Landon stopped her at the door and stated, "I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I would really like to be your friend?"

Mallory turned around and could see the sincerity on his face. "Alright, I'm giving you one more chance though, so don't screw it up!" she replied.

"Thank you, you won't regret it!" he added, "So are we friends?"

"I guess," she hesitated, "don't make me regret this. It's time for practice though, so we should head to the gym."

"Alright," he said gathering his stuff, "so does this mean you'll come to the party tomorrow?"

"If my friends want to go, then yeah we'll be there," she answered. Landon smiled at her and walked with her to the gym.


"Nice to see you back today," Trent commented while shooting some free throws, "it was weird not having you here. Plus, Landon here kept asking where you were."

"Shut up man," Landon said dribbling the ball, "Mal, ignore him."

"I'm glad to see you both missed me," she joked, "I was helping my grandma at the café."

"How about less talking and more practicing ladies," Nathan said from behind them, "Mal, leave the boys alone."

"Coach Scott, why don't you let Mal practice with us today? I mean we all know she's good. Plus, I'm sure she would like it," Landon asked.

Nathan was about to comment when Mallory added, "I promise to keep them motivated the entire time."

"Alright fine, but I expect you to practice the entire time and quit talking," he stated.

Mallory smiled, "Thanks dad, I won't let you down."

After he walked away, Trent said, "Ok since when do you two team up together?"

"Well Mal and I are friends now! Plus, I know how much she loves the game," Landon replied.

"I must say you two amaze me. One day you are nagging on each other then the next you are playing nice. I have to admit I never saw this coming," he said with a laugh.

"Well things change," she simply stated, "Now stop talking!"

The three didn't talk the rest of practice and kept busy the entire time. Finally, Nathan blew the whistle to end practice and the guys headed to the locker room.


"So how was your day?" Haley asked when they got home.

Mallory smirked, "It seems I made a new friend and dad let me practice with the team today."

"How did that happen?" Haley wondered.

"It seems her new friend, Landon, talked me into it," Nathan huffed.

Haley laughed, "You two are friends now huh?"

"Yeah, by the way, do you guys mind if I go to his party tomorrow night?" she asked.

Haley could tell Nathan was about to say no, so she stepped in and said, "Yes, as long as you follow the rules. No drinking or getting into the car with someone who has."

"Thanks mom," she said giving her a hug, "Dad, I promise no funny business either!"

Nathan groaned, "When did my little girl grow up?"

"If it makes you feel any better, Chloe and Emily are coming too!" she stated.

Haley replied, "Don't worry about your dad. He'll get over the fact that boys will be there. Now would you go get Jamie and Lucy and tell them dinner will ready in about ten minutes. Please make sure Lucy washes her hands too."

"I'll take care of it mom. I love you guys!" she answered.


A/N: I decided to have them build a friendship before anything else progresses... more to come

Coming: Landon's party