A/N: Sorry it took me long to update. Nothing really impotant in here, but I hope you like it anyway.

Chapter Seven–Changes

-MACK'S POV-

"DER-EK! How many times have I told you to pick up your cloths after you're finished in the shower?" Casey demanded as she stormed down the stairs. "You're so infuriating!"

"You're influrit…ernate…tering," Derek shot back in an uncertain tone as Lizzie and Marti giggled form the kitchen table.

"Surprisingly I don't think that's a word," Casey said sarcastically as she sat down at the table and reached for a doughnut.

"Surprisingly, I don't care," Derek shot back as he got up to put his bow in the sink. "Hey Smack, what're you doing after school?" He asked once I walked into the kitchen.

"Babysitting Smarti," I responded as I ruffled her hair.

"Casey will do it. You are coming with me to the hockey rink," he said as he dodged the doughnut that Casey threw at him. He picked it up and threw it back; causing a small lump of glaze to stick to her nose once it connected with it.

"What's the real reason you want me to come?" I asked as I looked at him in suspicion before reaching for a muffin and taking a large bite out of it. "You can't trick me into doing things for you," I added once I swallowed.

"Fine. I wanted you to just have a friendly hockey competition against some of the guys," he said as he rolled his eyes.

"The rest of the truth please," I pressed as I raised an eyebrow.

"I think I know what he wanted to do," Casey said as she narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Since you know about her…intimidating nature you wanted to use that to scare some of the figure skaters into your arms. Well, we won't stand for that! Women are not used to–" I shoved part of a doughnut into her mouth.

"Sorry. But if I didn't stop you, you would've gone on for days and I have a test to study for," I said as I gave her an apologetic look.

"You? Study?" Derek asked before he burst out laughing.

"I think it's great that she wants to focus on her studies. Way to go, Mack," Casey said as she smiled at me.

"I think that you're starting to brainwash her," Derek shot back. "She hates to study. She's been living in that same infested room as you for way too long!"

"Brainwash!?" Casey cried out. I sighed and left the table, getting my stuff ready for school as I listened to their argument. Usually they argued over random stuff, like when Derek leaves the cap on the toothpaste open. But they normally don't argue about my studying habits.

"Yes, brainwash. It's when you turn Mack into a preppy klutz like you!"

"I'm only trying to keep her out of jail, unlike you. If you went, we'd all be happy!"

"HEY!" I shouted slamming my books down on the table, interrupting their argument. "I don't need you two worrying about my life! I got it covered, ok? Derek, so what if I want to get good grades? Casey, so what if I slack off half of the time? It's my life and I can ruin it anyway I want to!"

"That was an interesting debate. And it ends in a tie for the first time," Lizzie commented as she slid off of her stool.

"Hey, there's always a first time for everything," I said with a shrug as I grabbed my books.

-------------------

"God dammit. Watch where you're going!" I shouted at a football player as he passed by, laughing. I growled as I started to gather my books but they got kicked around by his other football buddies. "Stupid bigheaded football players," I muttered under my breath as I started gathering my books once more. I reached out for my last book but it was pulled out of my reach. "You again. Don't you know it's against the law to stalk people, Noel?" I asked once I stood and I yanked my book out of his hands. The statement was a bit harsh, but he has been 'appearing' by my side every single day and he was really starting to get on my nerves.

"Stalking is when I follow you like I have nothing better to do," he commented as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "What I'm doing is just trying to get you to talk to me."

"Noel, I don't even talk to you during Drama. Why would you want me to talk to you now of all times?" I asked as I made my way through the crowd of students to my locker.

"Maybe because I want to get to know you better," he said as he followed me. I peered at him suspiciously before opening my locker door.

"Yeah right," I muttered as I threw my books into my locker before closing it and holding my others under my arm and spinning my dial. I ignored my beating heart as I tried to get past him.

"No really," he said as he stepped into my path. "Look, there's this new movie playing down at the theater. Maybe we could go check it out."

"How about no?" I asked as I pushed by him and walked down the hallway. I was passing by the fountain and the bathrooms when a hand grabbed my arm and yanked me inside. "Kidnap people recently?" I asked Casey sarcastically as I straightened my books that were about to fall out of my arms.

"What's going on with you and Noel?" Casey asked. Just hearing his name made my heart lurch, which bothered me so much.

"Nothing!" I responded as I gave her a look. "Can I leave now?"

"You two would make such a cute couple!" She said as she followed me out of the bathroom. "Do you want me to set things up between you two?"

"No!" I shouted at her. I glared at anyone who met my eye as I stomped towards my first period class.

"Hey Smack. Can–" Derek started.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yelled at him as I shoved by him.

"Well, someone's in a pissy mood."

'No, someone is trying to avoid all of the changes.'