Chapter 4

She was amazing. Her laugh captivated my soul. Okay, so she was turning me into a sap. You can't help it when you meet a girl like that. She seemed to know about Ashley and Manny, but she acted as if she didn't care.

The bell rang for homeroom. We entered the room to see every desk filled except mine and one near Ashley. Not next to Ashley Kerwin; she would open her mouth and ruin my chances to ask Autumn out.

"Ms. Kwan, we have a new student. This is Sean Cameron's cousin, Autumn Cameron." I handed over Autumn to Ms Kwan, winking at her. I walked to my seat next to Spinner Mason. I ran my fingers through my hair nervously, praying that Ashley would keep her mouth shut.

"Craig, who's the newbie? And why do you keep playing with your hair?" Spinner asked noticing my shaky movements.

I noticed Jimmy Brooks lean forward to see how the newbie was. "Her name's Autumn Cameron, Sean's cousin. I want to ask her out but if Ms. Kwan seats her next to Ashley, I know that Ashley will open her big mouth and ruin my chance."

That's when Ms. Kwan tapped her yard stick against her desk, "Students, welcome Autumn Cameron. You can take that empty desk next to Ashley. Ashley, raise you hand so Autumn knows where you are."

I watched closely as Ashley held up here hand. Autumn glided across the room to her desk. I wish that I had a closer desk to Ashley. I couldn't hear what exactly they were saying, but I'm sure it was about me. Autumn's eyes met mine as she looked past Ashley. She smiled and I gave her another wink.

As the bell signaled for first period, I jumped out of my seat and went to meet Autumn. "I'll talk to you guys later," I called to Jimmy and Spinner.

"Bye, Ashley," she said waving to Ash. "Hi Craig. Ready for photography?"

"Yeah, I just have to grab my camera from my locker. Come on," I said nodding to the door. "So what were you and Ashley Kerwin talking about? Anything interesting?" I was curious. Okay, I was dying to find out what Ashley had said about me.

She looked around the halls, "Oh, nothing. She was telling me that same thing Ellie told me."

"And what would that be? If you don't mind me asking," I grabbed my camera and re-locked my locker.

She laughed, "To stay away from you!"

I couldn't help but feel hurt by her laughing. "Yeah, thanks. I guess you know all about me."

"No, I know about your past and how you've screwed up. I want to get to know the real Craig Manning."

I stopped in front of the class. "So you're going to hang around?" She nodded smiling brightly. "Cool. Let's go develop these pictures." I led her to the dark room. I grabbed the 'In Use' sign and put it in the notice holder.

After showing Autumn how to develop the pictures, the pictures slowly came into view. "This one came out good," she whispered. I came up behind her to see the picture she was looking at. It was the black and white photo of Sean and Ellie sitting outside Mr. Raditch's office while they were waiting for Autumn.

"Yeah, that is one of my better one's," I whispered close to her ear, slightly tickling her. She giggled softly and turned to face me. "I want you to see the best picture I've ever taken. Here," I stuck my hand out to her. She took it and let me lead her to the photo. "Look at this one. This one's my favorite. See how the light reflects off her eyes. It looks as if there are stars in her eyes." I turned back to see her expression.

She gasped. It was the picture I had taken of her. She glowed, even in the picture. "I love it," she said breathlessly. She covered her mouth with her hands.

"This girl is beautiful," I turned back to the picture comparing it to the real thing. I turned to her lightly brushing my finger against her cheek turning her cheeks to a rosy color. "You're beautiful." I leaned toward her gently pressing my lips to hers. She tasted sweet, of vanilla. The kiss was short, but so romantic.

She pulled away from me with a dazed look on her face. "Oh, thank you."

I started to freeze, "I was, uh...kind of wondering if you, um...would go out with me? We can go to the movies and then hang out at my house."

"I'd like that, a lot. Pick me up at 7?"

"Yeah, great. I'd be really embarrassed if you turned me down after what just happened."

She looked up at me smiling, "After what? This?" she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. When her lips touched min, it hit me: I had a date with Autumn.