"Hi guys. This is my partner Derrick Hah. He moved here from." Liz stopped as she sad down between Derrick and Max. She suddenly couldn't remember where he moved from. "I'm sorry. I know you told me, but where did you move from?" Derrick smiled and replied, "Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Have any of you ever been there?" He looked everyone in the eyes, as he waited for an answer. Max knew this was his chance. "Yeah. Isabel and I went there one year for vacation. I didn't think it was anything worthwhile." Isabel was looking at him with a questioning look on her face. She couldn't remember any vacation there, and she could remember every vacation that she went on with her family. She wanted to remember every detail so when or if she returned to her home planet she could treasure those memories. "Oh. Well, it's not that bad. It's usually at best during Mardi Gras. I'm sorry, which on is Isabel? I don't think I've met anyone with that name. I want to be sure to know everyone." Derrick stated and waited for Isabel to make her presence known. You sure do seem to want to know Liz, Max thought to himself. Speaking of the dark haired beauty, he could feel her gaze upon him. He knew he shouldn't, but he looked up into those gorgeous brown eyes that he wanted day after day to drown in. Surprisingly, her flawless face was mixed between confusement and disapproval. I guess I was a little rude with the Louisiana comment, but he had to let Derrick know he didn't think Derrick was anything special. I'm going to bring him down for my and Liz's sake. "Oh. I'm sorry, Derrick. I didn't introduce you to everyone. This is my friend Maria, Michael, Alex, Max, and Isabel." Liz said as she pointed to everyone. "Max, Maria, Alex, and I are in your science class." Derrick glanced at them and replied, "Oh yeah. If I remember correctly, you and you were paired up together, right?" He asked of Maria and Alex. "Yup, this is my little cupcake. Maybe someday this fake marriage will become a reality!" Maria breathlessly cooed into Alex's ear. Alex almost choked on his neon orange Cheetos. "Um, I don't think so, and could you not call me by a pet name?" Alex understood it was all in fun, but he didn't want to think about anyone being his wife. Well, maybe Isabel. Alex had almost screamed at the sight of Derrick walking to their circle of friends. He had glanced at Isabel to see if she wanted to throw herself into Derrick's firm bicepy arms. She looked cool and confident like ever she met new people, but there was a little gleam in her eye. He didn't know what that meant, but he had to remind himself that Isabel dealt with beautiful people everyday since she was popular. That's why she would never give him the time of day besides being a friend. Some days he just wanted to slam his guitar over his head. Derrick laughed at the cupcake joke, and then turned to Max. "Whom did you get paired up with? I can't remember." Max groaned inside. Smooth move, he chided Derrick as he watched everyone suddenly become absorbed with their lunches. He studied Liz carefully and noticed that as she tried to look like nothing bothered her, her hands were shaking as she put her hamburger up to her perfect lips. It bothers her that we're not together, just as much as it bothers me, Max realized. That made him feel wonderful and heartbroken inside. "I was paired up with Candy Swanson. I'm sure you've met her. Blonde hair and blue eyes? Most popular girl in school? In fact, that's her over there," Max said as he pointed to a girl at a lunch table overflowing with boys surrounding her, "Why don't you join her?" Liz snapped her head back like she had been slapped. Why was he being so mean to Derrick? She had never seen him like this before. She knew the others were wondering what Max was up to because they were all looking at Max strangely. She vowed she would talk with Max later on. "Please Max. I'm SO more popular and pretty than Candy. Don't get her and me mixed up." Isabel said, trying to cut the tension. Derrick nodded and added, "Well, it looks like she has enough company already. Besides, I like eating lunch with my beautiful wife." Derrick touched Liz's shoulder as he said this. Max's skin felt hot with rage at the sight of the touch, but he slowly counted to ten. I will not crush his hand like a bug even though I can and want to. Max couldn't help but wonder how Liz liked Derrick's big and sweaty hand on her slim and beautiful shoulder. At least Max thought it was a big and sweaty hand. Liz smiled weakly and wondered how she could get his hand off without being rude. She could feel his warm and smooth skin underneath her sweater, and it startled her about how she kinda liked it. As much as it felt good, she didn't want him touching her. Only Max had the privilege, even though he wouldn't let himself. She glanced at her soulmate, and saw that he was trying to remain calm. That kinda made her feel tingly all over, and she was glad at least he wasn't being mean about the hand thing. She was still wondering how to get the foreign hand off when Maria rescued her. "How come you never show affection to me like that, my sweet booboo?" Before Alex could yell about pet names, the end of the lunch bell rang. The gang picked dup their stuff and threw away their trash. Alex and Liz went one way, Max and Isabel another way, Maria went off by herself, Michael and Derrick another way after everyone exchanged their goodbyes. "Goodbye my sugar daddy! See ya later!" Maria couldn't help but yell as she strode down the hall. The echo lingered a long time after Alex retorted, "DON'T CALL ME BY PET NAMES!"

Okay, sorry this chapter took so long to upload. My computer went psycho on me, and I couldn't upload anything for a while. What do you guys think about my story so far? Should I stop? I'm sorry that they're so long, but once I stop I can't stop. Kinda like Pringles. Anyway, if you have any suggestions or questions, don't be afraid to let me know in a review. Reviews are always welcome! (hint hint. ()