*Alright, next chapter! Thanks for your reviews and keep 'em coming. I changed some

stuff in the last chapter, so you might wanna go back and read it. Only if you want

though, it doesn't have too much sway on the plot. Usual disclaimer

(Damn Fox and Damn the 'All American Sport.')*

Ryan walked into his first class, Art, with Summer. It was good that he was in his

first class with someone who didn't completely hate his guts. They took a seat at one of

the black, shiny table, and surveyed the room. They were some of the first people there,

so they decided to talk quietly.

"So," Ryan whispered, "What exactly is up with you and Seth. All that he would

tell me was something that really didn't sound like the truth."

"What did he tell you?"

"That you had some bet..."

"Dare."

"A dare...so you did know about it...Summer that was a real..."

"No! I would never do that. He just threw at me all these things that were totally

screwed up. Like I was dared to go out with him and then dump him or something.

Basically a bunch of bullshit."

"I guess so. But he is really depressed. Maybe you should try talking to him or

something."

"Believe me, I've tried. He won't even make eye contact with me."

The tardy bell rang and Ms. Dubois, the art teacher, swept into the room.

"Good morning class," she said dreamily, "Welcome to Art!"

The bell rang at ten-thirty and the students adjourned to the courtyard for a

twenty minute break. Summer, Marissa, Seth, and Ryan were going to meet up at the

picnic tables.

"Wooh," Marissa said, plopping down on the bench across from Ryan, "My first

day back and I've already had a quiz in AP French."

"Yeah," Ryan responded, "This school seems a little tougher than Chino County

High School."

"Just a leeeetle," Marissa laughed, holding up her hand and making a small space

between her thumb and forefinger.

They laughed and suddenly Marissa's face went stony. Ryan turned to see the

reason behind the sudden change in countenance. He saw Luke greeting his buddy's at a

neighboring table. With Holly underneath his arm. Ryan felt hot rage bubble up inside.

"That bastard," he muttered.

"Come on," Marissa said, "Let's just forget about them."

"Coop!" Summer moaned, plopping down next to her, "I forgot what school was

all about. And let me tell you...it sucks."

"I know Sum," Marissa said sympathetically, "Just think, you only have

about..nine months left."

"That's real comforting," Summer pouted.

Summer saw Seth walk across the courtyard. By his posture, she could tell that

he had a serious self-esteem problem. When he passed Luke's table, she heard them

call out a taunting remark. Luke disentwined himself from Holly and towered

menacingly over the lanky boy. Evidently any semblance of decency Luke had towards

Seth during the last few weeks of Summer had disappeared. Before she could stop

herself, she jumped up from the bench. Stomping as hard as her heels would allow,

Summer made her way over to Luke's table.

"Luke! Leave him the hell alone!" Summer called as Luke reared back, ready to

punch Seth.

"Look!" Holly snitted, "It's Slummin' Summer!"

"Oh!" Summer mocked, "Look! It's Whorish Holly."

"Cohen," Luke said, turning back to Seth, "I can see who has the balls in this

relationship. And little hint, it isn't you."

The whole table sniggered.

"For one thing, ASSHOLE, we don't even have a relationship."

"And second thing," he said turning to Summer, "I don't need you to fight my

battles. Just leave me alone!"

With this, he turned on his heel and stomped back into the building. Summer was

left to walk back to the bench, sympathetic faces before her and jeering faces behind her.