"Wait, who are you going with?" Owen asked, running a bashful hand over his hair.

"Cindy," Rod replied, grinning. "I'm taking her out to some fancy place."

"She's a senior," Owen said, his tone implying that he meant something else.

"Yeah," Rod said. Things had turned up for him, ever since he began using the illusion. Girls had started taking an interest in him, and he'd become instantaneously more popular amongst his school friends. It represented one of the sad truths of adolescence: appearance mattered. Only Owen's treatment of Rod remained unchanged.

"And who are you going with?" Rod asked, giving Owen a pat on the back. It was unusual for him to ask girls out, and Rod always applauded him when he did.

"Pam," Owen replied. He got a dreamy expression on his face, and Rod laughed. It was fun to see him losing it over a girl.

"Where are you going?"

"A movie." His expression became nervous, and he turned to Rod. "Do you think that's good enough for her?"

"I'm sure it is," Rod replied. "She's a freshman, isn't she?"

"Yeah, but she acts a lot smarter."

"Well, you just have to be sure to treat her right, then. You know, open doors, act like a gentleman."

"Oh. Okay." Owen smiled. "Thanks Rod, I don't know what I'd do without you. You know so much more about this than I do."

Rod smiled shyly, more to himself than to Owen. "Guess that's why we're best friends."

A/N: Really quickly, I'd just like to say that I'd really appreciate reviews. They help to motivate me in the production of this story. So if you like it, please review!