chapter 1

I'm Mike Montgomery.

I look in the mirror and fix my hair, just so I can look good at school today. I have to be ladies-man quality to stay cool at Rosewood High. As I exit the bathroom I see my older sister Aria. She's probably texting her illegal-boyfriend, Ezra Fitz. Yeah, that's right. Mr. Fucking Fitz! I can't believe she's dating my best friend Noel's English teacher. I love Aria, but that's kinda jacked up. Either she's texting him, or one of the girls in her posse. Spencer Hastings, Emily Fields, or Hanna Marin. Hanna's my ex-girlfriend. We dated once, but she broke up with me. Well, I had an older girlfriend for a little while, so she increased my popularity. She was a pretty great girlfriend, but I think we both wanted to break up for a while. I'm single now, but some day I'll find a girl perfect for me, and I know it. There are plenty of hot girls and options for me at Rosewood High. I can learn to love while I'm young!

"Hey Aria," I say as I pull my phone out of my pocket. "Who're you texting?"

"Emily," Aria responds absentmindedly as she types quickly on her phone. "Don't you have to get going for school? Do you need a ride?"

"Nah, Noel's giving me a ride," I tell her. "Thanks, though. I'll see you after school?"

"Maybe. I'm going to Ezra's at five," she tells me. "Do you have lacrosse today?"

"I quit lacrosse. I'm on the football team now," I say. "And I've got football practice right after school."

"Damn. I guess I won't see you, then," Aria shrugs. "Whatever. See you tonight, Mikey-Wikey."

I roll my eyes and chuckle. "Stop callin' me that, Ar."

"But you're my wittle bwother and I wove you!" Aria says in a babyish voice, mocking me.

"Shut up." I laugh. "You're the tiny one, Ar."

Aria gives me a smile before leaving. "Well, I'm gonna get going to school. Bye, Mike."

"Yeah. Later, Ar." I nod.

Noel picks me up for school.

"Hey Mike. You goin' to football practice after school?" Noel asks as I get in his car.

"Yeah. Coach said we're finally gonna work on some new plays!" I exclaim. "Isn't that awesome? Our old plays sucked."

"Damn right they did," Noel nods. "So Mike, mah man... Are you still feeling stuff for Hanna?"

"Nah, man. I'm over her," I truthfully say. "Hanna and I are donzo. We're never-ever-ever getting back together."

"Way to say it Taylor Swift style," Noel chuckles. "And I kinda wanted to double date..."

"Aw, sorry bro. I'm a single pringle," I shrug. "No girlfriend, but I've got a free life right now! Wait a second... Double date with who? I thought you were single. Did you get back together with Mona?"

"Hell no. Mona and I are donzo, too," Noel shakes his head. "I wanted to ask your sister out."

"Dude, no!" I widen my eyes.

"Why not?" Noel asks. "Dude, I know she's your sister- but she's hot."

"Sure, I guess I could call my sis cute, but..." I bite my lip.

"But what? Is she still dating Mr. Fitz?" Noel rolls his eyes.

"Yeah," I sigh. "I can't lie to you, man. There's nothing I can do to stop Aria from dating him. She's in love with him, Noel. I guess there's no point in a double date after all, right?"

"There's still a point!" Noel exclaims. "I know these two hot girls. They're best friends. We can flirt a little. I call dibs on the girl that's named Jessica, since she's already my friend. I think she'd be easier for me."

"I don't know, man..." I sigh.

"C'mon, Mike!" Noel encourages. "These girls are super cute, funny, and so much fun to be around! Jessica and I have been friends for years. I'm sure she won't mind introducing my best buddy to her BFF. Or are you still not over Hanna?"

"No, I'm over Hanna," I say. "Fine, set me up. I doubt I'll like her, though."

"Trust me, you will," Noel says.

"Fine, I'll bet you five bucks I won't end up liking her as more than a friend." I bet.

"You're on." Noel smiles.