A/N: We're getting near the end of the story! What will happen to our Gretchen/HustlerKid/Spinelli/TJ love…err…square! I know what will happen do you?

I NEED REVIEWS! I will mention whoever gives me the next one!

Enjoy this chapter!

Dedication: All of my reviewers, even if you have not returned.

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'Umm…I'll see you guys later,' Vince said as soon as he saw me.

'What? Oh! Oh yeah! Me too!' Mickey said hastily.

Gretchen gave me a look and blew me a kiss as she left the huddle of kids waiting for me outside of school. TJ coughed loudly to fill the awkward silence as we stood there rocking on our feet.

'So, Hustler Kid, where have you been today?' TJ asked awkwardly, scratching his neck.

'My parents needed me at home,' I muttered uncomfortably, looking to see the reaction on Spinelli's face. How would she feel about me now she knew I was involved in the league? But she didn't look at me; she avoided my gaze and looked at the ground, as if she was reading a sad book from the grass beneath her. She lifted her head and made a smile to TJ…he smiled back.

No.

I suddenly felt out of breath and light-headed. I wanted to launch myself on top of TJ and beat him up, scream at him and tell him that he was an idiot not to snatch Spinelli up while he still had the chance. I suddenly realised that my face was tensing up and my hands were forming into fists.

'We'll see you later HK,' Spinelli said with a concerned smile and let TJ lead the way to their watch point. As she left she placed her hand on my shoulder and squeezed tightly, a connection that I hadn't had with her since we were kids, best friends forever. Or at least until TJ came into the picture, stealing her away from me. I stood there dumbly, not knowing what to say or do.

'Should I do the same?' I thought, 'should I take her hand in mine?'

Wait.

I had to remember the list, the list of my priorities resting silently on the inside of my coat.

She released my shoulder and ran back over to TJ, her beautiful hair flying behind her. I will never know what that squeeze meant. Maybe she knew everything, maybe she really cared about me, maybe it was just…friends.

I shook myself out of my dream-like state and continued on toward the playground, holding my shoulder as I went.

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A/N: Small chapter? Yeah I know. But the next scene I think deserves a chapter of its own.