Cassidy rushed to Reefside High's school newspaper office after what had to be the worst day in anyone's life, ever. She threw her book bag down on the floor, took a seat in the head reporter's chair, and buried her face in her hands. Usually, she would get straight to work preparing the next hot story, but today, she decided to take a few moments to herself before she became surrounded by people again.

Funny, most of the students at Reefside would never believe that she, Cassidy Cornell, was lonely. Ever since she'd stepped into the school's halls more than three years ago, she'd always engaged in all sorts of extracurricular and social activities. Cassidy was never seen alone in public, either she was with Devin or a swarm of followers and admirers. Lonely was a concept that had been foreign to Cassidy. Yet strangely, she was lonely today. She was lonely in her usual crowd, she was lonely among the hopeful boys who'd been noticing her all year but who had also been too intimidated to do anything about it until now. She'd even felt alone the few moments she'd had with just Devin. And now, by herself, without Ethan, she was lonely.

Cassidy was interrupted from her thoughts by the sound of Devin, who came bounding into the newspaper office straight from his forced study session with Dr. Oliver. "Hey, Cassidy. Sorry I'm late," he greeted.

She straightened in her chair and glanced at him. "Hi, Devin."

Devin frowned. "Cass? Are you okay?"

"Of course I'm okay! Why wouldn't I be okay?"

He pulled out the chair next to her. "Look, Cass. It's me. You don't have to pretend."

For a moment, she considered keeping up the charade, but while it may have worked on the entire student body at Reefside High, Devin Fong was a completely different story. He'd been the closest thing she had to a best friend since grade school.

"Okay, so maybe I didn't have the greatest day ever..... but so what? They'll get over it as soon as Mindy Harper dumps her stupid jock of a boyfriend anyway."

"That's why you're upset? Because a bunch of high school kids are gossiping about you?" Devin looked her in the eye. "Are you sure it's not because you miss him?"

She'd been thinking about it all day, but somehow it still surprised her to hear the words come from Devin's mouth. "Why would I miss him? We wouldn't have worked out. We're just too different."

"Uh, have you ever heard the saying, 'opposites attract?'"

Boy, for someone who had been known to be somewhat of a pushover, Devin was really sticking to his claims. "Puh-lease! I am a hard-working, and good-looking mind you, journalist, and he's a......a............a..........."

"Great guy who went all out for you like no one has before? Who actually took the time to get to know you and likes you for you?"

Cassidy bit her lip. It was true. Ethan had gone all out for her on their first date, and he did inspire a sort-of friendship between her and Kira, which ultimately led to the start of her biggest dream coming true. He'd even proved to be more than just the simple geek she'd thought he was. He was actually sweet and compassionate, charming, and........even cute.

Devin paused for a moment before continuing. "You know, Cass. I meant it when I said he made you nice. But I think it's something more than that. I think he made you.......happy."

Cassidy looked up, and this time, no one could mistake the tears in her eyes. "So what if you're right? It's not like I can just go crawling back to him!"

"Why not?"

"Because that's not what I do!"

"Maybe not the old you. But the new and improved you is honest and loyal. Come on, Cassidy. It can't hurt to give it a try."

Cassidy shook her head. "I just don't know if I can face him this weekend."

"Well, you're going to have to," Devin pointed out. "You're covering the school dance, and you know Ethan's gonna be there since Kira's singing."

"That's right, I almost forgot about that," she said, putting her hands to her head. Suddenly, she jumped up from her seat. "What are you just sitting there for, Devin? We have to go find something for me to wear!"

Devin smiled. Now this was the Cassidy he knew.