CHAPTER 8:

"For our presentation we decided to look at this 1964 article, entitled 'Two Teens Killed in Car Crash.'" Amy spoke in a clear loud voice, holding up the newspaper for everyone to see.

It was two weeks later and she was standing at the front of the class with Carla, Justin and Paul presenting the article they had found. Ms. Hurley was leaned back in her chair listening intently to what each of them were saying. Some students appeared to be listening as well, their eyes focused on each group member as they spoke. The others were either doodling or passing notes to one another being extra careful to not get caught by Ms. Hurley's thwarted glare.

"The article highlights the tragic story of how two teens were killed on the night of their prom." Amy continued.

"The tragedy is obviously that the two individuals died so young without having a true chance at life." Carla added.

"How did the car crash?" David Dutra interrupted with avid eyes. "Were they speeding?"

"Mr. Dutra," Ms. Hurley gave him a stern look. "Questions will be allowed at the end of the presentation."

"But Ms. Hurely, I read in a magazine once that teens usually die in car crashes because of speeding!" He protested, completely missing the point.

"They weren't speeding!" Josh suddenly spoke.

The entire class, including Ms. Hurley looked at him in surprise.

How did Josh know that? Amy thought to herself, looking at him as he twisted uncomfortably in his chair.

His nervous gaze met hers for a brief second before he loudly cleared his throat.

"I..uh..I mean…" he fumbled. "I assume that they weren't speeding."

"Well that's a pretty good assumption Josh," Ms. Hurley smiled, trying to take the pressure off of him.

"I actually saw on the news that the many car crashes that teens are involved in, are caused by drunk driving." He explained, his gaze returning to Amy.

"Well, Josh you're actually right!" Amy smiled and tried to continue with the presentation. "The article said that the two teens crashed into another car and the driver of that car was drunk."

"Interesting!" Ms. Hurley exclaimed, pulling her glasses to the tip of her nose. "So what therefore was the real tragedy in this case?"

At first neither of them said anything. They just kind of looked at each other, hoping that someone would say something.

"Well," Justin finally spoke. "I guess the real tragedy here would be that the teens not only died young, but they died at the hands of someone else."

"Yeah," Paul agreed. "Someone who acted selfishly by doing something stupid such as getting into a car after he had been drinking."

"We decided to do some additional research on this topic." Carla added, pulling out a sheet of paper from her folder. "From our research, we found that a total of 2,364 youths, aged 15-20 died in alcohol-related crashes in 1993."

"And every 20 minutes a person is killed in an alcohol-related tragedy." Amy concluded.

"Very interesting facts you have there," Ms. Hurley raised her eye brow. "So after all that you have found, what do you think could have been done to avoid this accident?"

"Well, for one thing that guy should not have gotten behind the wheel if he had been drinking." Amy took the initiative to speak. "Those two teens didn't deserve to die. The male teen, Brian, was such a sweet and caring person. His mother said that he was always very optimistic and only wanted what was best for others."

As she spoke, Amy suddenly felt her attention draw towards Josh.

He was listening intently as she spoke, staring deep into her eyes.

"If only the driver of that car cared half as much as Brian cared for others, him and Maria would probably still be alive today." She continued to look into his eyes, unable to tear her gaze away.

"Very well done!" Ms. Hurley suddenly spoke, bringing Amy out of the trance that she was in.

Everyone in the class clapped as the group took their seats.

"Nice job Amy!" Paul whispered to her as she sat down.

"Thanks!" She smiled back at him before her attention shifted to Josh.

Amy couldn't understand why she felt so drawn to him while she was speaking during the presentation. It was as if no one else existed in the room but the two of them. There even seemed to be a chilly breeze in the air that raised every hair on Amy's arm.

Suddenly as if knowing she was thinking about him, Josh turned his head and looked directly at her. A small smile crept out of the corners of his mouth and he winked at her making her blush instantly.

She quickly lowered her eyes to her binder, unable to look him in the eyes.

He's so cute! She thought, smiling uncontrollably as a thousand butterflies filled her tummy.

Just then Josh leaned across the aisle and placed a small folded paper on her desk. He smiled as she unfolded it slowly and read it to herself:

That was a killer presentation. You did amazing! What do you say to ice cream to celebrate?

Amy slightly grinned after she read the note, not wanting to reveal her true emotion and looked up at him. She gave him a small nod and he smiled in approval, turning his attention back to the board.

Watching Amy and Josh, Paul felt a small twinge of jealousy fill his insides. He was beginning to notice that the two of them were getting very close and although he didn't want to admit it, it bothered him quite a bit. Ever since they were younger, he and Amy had always been close. But it wasn't until recently that he began seeing her in a different light. However, Amy just never seemed to show any signs of feeling the same way about him.

I could never tell her how I really feel. He sadly thought to himself. I just don't want to ruin what we have.

But even if Paul wanted to tell Amy how he felt, at the present time it didn't even seem to matter. Amy seemed to really like Josh and as long as she did, Paul would never stand a chance.

The sound of the bell interrupted his thoughts.

"Alright class, make sure that if you are making your presentation tomorrow to be prepared." Ms. Hurley reminded them. "Marks will be deducted if students fail to be ready to present."

"Hey Amy," Paul lightly touched her shoulder as she stood up. "Do you want to come over to my house after school? I have this new computer game that we could play."

"Awww Paul, that sounds so cool!" Amy smiled at him. "But I don't think I can today. Josh just asked me to go get some ice cream with him."

She watched as a saddened expression filled his eyes.

"You can come if you want!" She offered, feeling really lousy suddenly.

"Uh…no it's ok." Paul looked down at the ground. "We can just do it another time."

"Are you sure?" Amy lightly touched his hand.

"Yeah," he tried to smile. "Go ahead with Josh. I'll talk to you later!"

"Ok!" She grinned, oblivious to his true feelings. "I'll catch you later!"

Amy excitedly grabbed her book bag and waved good bye to Carla, before heading out the classroom with Josh.

Carla frowned as she sadly looked over at Paul.

Amy, I know you think Josh is a great guy but so is Paul. She thought, looking at her saddened friend. Why can't you see how much he likes you?

She let out a deep sigh and grabbed her books, following Paul and Justin to their next class.