AN: The next chapter should be the last short one for a while. I'll try to make everything after that at least 1,000 words. ^^; So, on with the chapter! But first, because my friend wanted to do the intros, 8 chapters worth of summarizing!


Flower's voice: "Previously on The Magic Number. So Ellis and Matheus were practically thrown out of the school because some jock thought they were elementary kids, but Ellis's attitude kinda countered Matheus's depression and forced the guy to let them through. Then Ellis found out she has yearbook with a bunch of upperclassmen. Like, Emily seems like a diva and possible slut, and Granyt's just plain weird.

"Cameron was slushied, so Hannah helped clean him up – in the girls' bathroom, of course – but she wound up getting slushied, too, making them both late to class. For shame. But so he wound up taking the last seat, by Matheus, who's almost two feet shorter than him. That did not go well.

"A bunch of jocks were cornering Alex, so Marissa swooped in, saved the day, and walked him to class. Then, in her art class, Bryce – who hates drawing – was there, along with Samuel, who looks like a rock god, but was actually interested, and girl she could swear she's seen before. She just can't place her.

"Damian and Lindsay ran into each other in the hallway – literally – and she's giving him the cold shoulder, even though he could swear he's never seen her before. But he knows there's more to her than meets the eye.

"And McKynleigh walked in – or out – on Samuel smoking a joint, but the only thing she can think about is how cute he is. *dreamy sigh* Oh, and Matheus might have a crush on Ellis, but that might just be because he actually comes up higher than her shoulder. And that's what you missed on The Magic Number."


*Hannah*

I ran into Mr. Bassett's class – literary magazine – just before the bell, thanks to my need for my hair to be dry. Luckily, though, I'd found the room surprisingly quickly. I walked over to the teacher's desk, where a dark-haired man who looked like he was in his late 20s was sitting at a computer that was blasting the "Star Wars" theme.

"Good morning, I'm Hannah," I said, smiling at him. I knew it sounded a bit like I was trying to kiss up, but it was always nice to be the first to introduce yourself. Even if I had to put the joking aside for a moment.

He looked up and smiled back. "Good morning, Hannah. Grab a chair, I'm just about to take roll."

I turned back around and rook in the classroom. The tables were set up with four chairs around each, and there were a few spots left. I didn't recognize anyone, but one person kept drawing my attention.

"Hey," I said, plopping down next to the only person sitting alone.

He looked up, surprised. "Oh, hi."

"I'm Hannah," I said, trying to sound friendly, which wasn't hard.

"Damian," he said, returning my smile.

"Are you new around here?" I asked, noticing his accent.

He shook his head. "I moved here in 7th grade. But I'm new here. I mean, I'm a freshman."

I beamed at him. "Me, too!"

He grinned and I felt my heart melt a little bit. He really was adorable. "Say, why did you pick literary magazine?" he asked. "You don't seem like a writer."

I laughed at that. "Oh, I'm not. But I like reading and art, so I figured this would be fun."

He shrugged, smiling. "Same here. Honestly, I can barely write a passing essay, let alone a short story."

I laughed louder at that, drawing a few people's attention, which seemed to make Damian a bit uncomfortable.

"Sorry," I said, quieting down.

"Oh, it's fine," he said, waving it off. "I just don't like being the center of attention, ya know?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I normally draw attention to myself, but it isn't all intentional. It's just my charm and good looks." I flipped my hair over my shoulder, making him laugh. I knew I didn't fit in, looks-wise. I just normally played along by being the class clown. "So, do you have any friends here?"

He nodded. "One. We've been best mates since I moved here."

"Cool!" I said, wondering if I'd get to meet him. Or her. I'd never really had a friend that stuck around for more than a year.

"Alright, class!" Mr. Bassett said, turning off the music, getting up, walking to the board, and cutting off any reply Damian was going to make. "Welcome to lit mag! After I take roll we'll start looking at what was sent in over summer." He talked a bit more about what we'd be doing, took roll, and sent us to work. Damian and I looked at a few pieces together, making the hour fly by, and I couldn't help smiling every time he opened his mouth.

Well, I already had two friends. Cute ones at that. The future was looking bright for MC Hannah.


AN: So, Hannah and Damian! Might we see some Dannah romance? Or will it be unrequited? You'll have to wait to find out. ;p

You'll find out who Flower is in chapter 12. ;D Oh, and Mr. Bassett's based on my language arts teacher.