As was his usual position in class, Jason was casually slumped down in his
chair, his long legs stretching out so that a foot was to both the left and
right of Chloe's desk. It was only by sheer willpower that he kept himself
from falling asleep as one of his fellow football players struggled to tell
the class five nice things about Susan Adamson. Could life get any more
boring?
Jason's eyes were almost closed when a movement of red caught his attention on the other side of the room. It was none other than his ex-girlfriend leaning forward, over the top of her own desk, to flirt with the guy in front of her.
Jason realized that he must have been staring when Chloe turned halfway in her seat to face him, whispering, "Does it bother you that she's over there with those guys instead of being over here with you?"
"Nah, they can have her. In fact, they probably already have."
"I don't doubt that," responded Chloe as she turned to once again face the front of the room. Given the choice of either listening to some jock attempt a few kind words for a presumed geek or pondering Jason's love life, Chloe easily chose the latter. She turned her upper body just enough to see Jason. In her lowest whisper, Chloe quickly stated, "You're better off without her." That said, Chloe turned away from Jason. Chill bumps threatened to take over her body when she realized that she and Jason were almost acting like friends.
Across from Chloe, Zach was equally bored. It had taken him less than a minute to complete the assignment, and that had left him with too much time with absolutely nothing to do. Finally, desperate for any type of recreation, Zach picked up his pen and began to use it as an investigating tool. Unfortunately, the subject for his experiment objected to having his head poked by the semi-sharp object.
Kevin turned in his seat and gave Zach his harshest glare. But, considering it was Kevin, it only succeeded in making him look constipated, which provoked Zach even farther. As Zach chuckled at Kevin's fiercest expression, Kevin declared, "I do not appreciate your behavior. It is simply unacceptable for you to sit in that seat and assault me in a classroom."
"Assault you? Man, take a chill pill. In fact, take a whole bottle, maybe that would put you in the morgue and me out of my misery. Jeesh, I was just checking to see if that super-gelled hair of yours is as hard as it looks. Really, if you're ever in a shootout, just point your head in the direction of the gun, because your hair has got to be bulletproof. Not to mention a little on the tacky side."
"A little?" Philip snorted from his place across from Zach. "Then again, Zach, you don't exactly look like you went easy on the hair gel this morning either."
"Yeah, but my hair looks stylish, his just looks like a cheap helmet."
"If you say so."
"Well, hey, at least I chose one color and stuck with it. What is up with that chunk of blond hair on the side of your head? Really, was someone drunk when they did that to you? You almost make this geek in front of me look trendy."
Kevin would have given what he believed to be a witty comeback had Mr. Woods not called on him to read his five compliments aloud to the class and warned his two tormentors to silence themselves.
As Kevin droned on about the good qualities of the ditzy cheerleader to Philip's left, Mimi found herself leaning forward in her own desk to sneak a few peeks at Jason. He was practically lying down in his desk, and his legs were stretched out beside Chloe. At that moment, Mimi would have sold her soul to be Chloe and have Jason's legs nearly encircling her.
Mimi's beguiling thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Woods calling on Belle to stand and tell the class who she had been assigned and what was so great about that person.
Rising from her desk, Belle stood beside it, purposely avoiding any glances to the side of the room where Shawn and Chloe were sitting. Physically forcing herself to smile, Belle said, "I was assigned Philip Kiriakis, so it wasn't really that hard to think of five great things about him, especially since we've been friends for nearly as long as I can remember."
Jason rolled his eyes at Belle's sweet introduction. If no one livened things up, there was no doubt in Jason's mind that he would fall asleep. Philip was his friend, but that didn't mean Jason wanted to hear just how exceptional and superior he was.
"First, Philip is a loyal friend. Like I said, we've been friends forever, so I would know."
Shawn moved his body in his desk so he could quietly speak to Chloe. "I've been her friend forever."
"Second, Philip is always willing to help someone in need."
"So am I," continued Shawn, barely above a whisper.
"Third, he never hesitates to offer me a ride home from school if I need it."
"Why doesn't she ever ask me for a ride home?"
Chloe leaned close to Shawn and whispered, "Maybe because you just bought your truck over the summer and today is only the first day of school?"
"Fourth, he's a great dresser."
"What, am I complete slob?"
"And," concluded Belle with a genuine smile. "The fifth thing that I like about Philip is . . . well, his dimples."
When Philip sent Belle a smile that displayed those dimples, Shawn gave Chloe his most exasperated look and asked, "His dimples aren't all that great are they?"
Glancing past Shawn to her boyfriend, Chloe gave a weak smile. "They are pretty sexy . . . but, they aren't great enough to make any girl forget about another guy if she has real feelings for him." At that moment, Chloe wasn't sure if she was referring to Belle and Shawn or herself and Brady.
Before Chloe could even begin to analyze her feelings for Belle's brother, Mr. Woods announced that it was Shawn's turn to stand and tell the class about his assigned person.
"Well, I was given Mimi's name, so here are my five favorite things about her. She's a good friend, and anyone that has ever spent time with her knows it."
Following the comment, Shawn was too absorbed in trying to not stare at the beautiful Belle Black to notice Chloe's light snort and roll of the eyes, Zach's extremely bored stare into space, or Jason's eyes focusing on him as he wondered just how good of friends Shawn and Mimi were.
"Next, Meems never acts better than everybody else. Plus, she's a hard worker. Also, she has this really warm and bubbly personality that you just have to love."
Blushing under Shawn's praise, Mimi also failed to notice the displeased look that scorned Jason's face. He really didn't like the idea of Shawn referring to Mimi and love in the same sentence. The guy already had Chloe and Belle. Wasn't that enough?
"And, last but not least, Mimi's a good conversationalist. Or, in other words, she really likes to talk."
Next to be called upon by Mr. Woods was Chloe. She was hesitant to stand and knew that Mr. Woods had been paying special attention and assigned her that person for a reason.
Looking pointedly at her former best friend, Chloe said, "I was given Belle's name, so here are my five things: she's willing to be anyone's friend, she gives great advice, she's always perky, she's quite possibly the world's greatest shopper . . . and, I know that she would never judge someone without having all the facts."
Belle, Chloe, and the rest of the gang knew that the last statement made by Chloe went much further than just being a respectable quality in a person. Chloe was trying to get Belle to allow her and Shawn time to explain.
Following Chloe was Philip. He, too, had been given the name of someone that he desperately needed to apologize to. "Okay, here are five things that I like about Shawn Brady. Number one, he doesn't care about how much money a person has. Rich and poor people are just the same to him. Number two, he is willing to do anything for his friends. Number three, he is honestly a nice guy and doesn't try to take advantage of other people. Number four, he forgives me when I act like a total jerk."
Even Shawn had to smile at that one. He could tell from the strained look on Philip's face that he didn't exactly enjoy saying the things, but meant them nonetheless.
"And, number five, I know that he would never really try to steal my girl."
When Philip sat back down in his desk, he ventured a glance to where Shawn was sitting and was rewarded with a smile from his friend. Smiling back, Philip felt some of the tension release itself from his body.
From the front of the classroom, Mr. Woods continued with the assignment. "Mr. Wesley, I tried to give you the name of someone you had already acquainted yourself with. I assume that you were able to complete the assignment?"
Standing up, Zach answered with a wicked grin, "Yeah, I completed it. In fact, it was pretty simple." Zach turned his attention away from the teacher and began to address his fellow students. "The person whose ego I was assigned to stroke is Chloe."
Chloe could only groan as Zach began his list of her better qualities. "The first thing that I like about Chloe is that she didn't puke in my car when I took that last curve at seventy miles per hour this morning." Giving Chloe a thumbs up, Zach added, "Very good job holding down those cookies."
"Next, I like Chloe because she saved me some hot water this morning for my shower. The third thing that I like about her is that unlike some girls . . ." Zach paused to glare at Jan. "Chloe doesn't cling to every guy she meets like a second skin."
"Jan," coughed Jason with practically no subtlety.
Continuing before Mr. Woods could reprimand any of his comments, Zach quickly added, "And the other two things that I like about her are: she has a really soft bed and looks good in her nightie."
Zach could actually hear the thud from Chloe dropping her head down on her psychology book to avoid the questioning gazes of half the class. And, he could practically feel the daggers pierce his skin that Chloe's boyfriend was sending him. He wondered if the nightie comment had gone a step too far. Nah, Chloe and Philip would laugh about it - eventually.
As Zach finished his list, he could hear his new pal Jason laughing. Well, he was laughing until he yelped from pain when Chloe used her pen to stab the bottom his left leg that had been resting near her. Zach had the feeling that Chloe just didn't appreciate Jason's sense of humor.
After directing a reprimanding glare to Jason, Chloe, and Zach, Mr. Woods called upon Mimi to share her list with the class. When he had handed out the slips of papers adorned with the names of his students, Mr. Woods had taken great care in assigning each student a person that he or she would benefit from complimenting. And, after witnessing the way that some of his best students had divided up against each other, he only felt it suiting for Mimi to state the nice things about Jason Masters, who had often taunted her the previous year.
Mimi kept her eyes directed to the floor as she began, "I was assigned Jason Masters, so here are five things I don't hate about him. One, he doesn't pick on me as much as he did last year. Two, he's not afraid to stand up for himself. Three, he finally gave me back my bracelet."
A smile lit up Jason's face at the memory inspired by the third thing Mimi said. Though the rest of the class was a little confused by the bracelet remark, Jason was given a warm feeling by it. Still, that feeling wasn't enough to erase the regretful one that had taken control of him after Mimi referred to the way he had teased her. Had he really hurt her that bad?
"Four, when he's not making me want to cry, he makes me laugh. And, five, he's really good at mud fighting."
As Shawn, Belle, Philip, Chloe, and Jason softly laughed, Zach commented, "Ooh, sounds kinky."
"Mr. Wesley, I don't believe that statement was necessary," responded Mr. Woods as he sent Zach that same reprimanding glare. "Now, Mr. Masters, it's your turn."
Jason stood up and attempted to force back his own agitation. He no trouble interrupting class with his humorous remarks or being the life of any party, but he had always hated having to stand in front of his peers and try to be serious. That was the reason he had chosen the most amusing things he could possibly say about someone he had known less than a day.
Using his trademark facade of confidence to mask his nervousness, Jason began, "I will now present to you the top five things that are great about our new student Zach Wesley. Number five, he drives a really sweet car. Number four, he's obviously good at annoying Chloe. Number three, he was smart enough to make friends with me on his first day here. Number two, the guy was able to get the phone numbers of three cheerleaders just during the assembly this morning. And, the number one reason why Zach Wesley is a good guy, he already knows that Jan is trash and treats her like it."
As Jason bowed to his snickering classmates, he was shocked to hear Chloe Lane clapping loudly. Of course, her applause was short lived as the bell rang and Mr. Woods ordered Jason, Chloe, and Zach to all stay after class.
The trio made no attempts to move from their desks as they waited for all the students to leave the room so they could receive their lecture from Mr. Woods.
A smiling figure looming over Chloe forced her to ignore Mr. Woods unhappy expression. Laughing, Philip stated, "I can't believe that my girlfriend, Chloe Lane, got in trouble in class. And, it was on the first day of school."
Returning the smile, Chloe responded, "I'm not in trouble. All I did was clap."
Philip glanced over his shoulder and saw Shawn leading Belle and Mimi out of the classroom. "Look, I'm going to step out in the hall and try to have a reasonable conversation with Shawn and Belle. I'll be waiting for you."
The moment Philip left the room, Zach leaned over and mimicked, "I'll be waiting for you."
"Shut-up, Zach," ordered Chloe as she turned in her seat to once again face Jason. She had noticed the almost sad look in his eyes when Jan stormed by him and out the door of the classroom. Quietly, Chloe said, "You know, it's okay if you miss having her around."
His expression uncharacteristically serious, Jason met Chloe's gaze and replied, "I didn't really love her, but it still hurts not having her with me. I mean, even though we were wrong for each other and I could never quite fall in love with her, I just didn't want to completely let go."
A tear slipped excruciatingly slow down Chloe's cheek as she looked past Jason and saw Philip's smiling face in the doorway. Wiping the tear away with the back of her hand, Chloe whispered, "I know how you feel."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So," began Shawn. "Will you please let me explain what you thought you saw at my house? Please?"
Stepping away from the doorway to join his other friends, Philip stated, "Belle, you really should let him explain. I know that whatever happened had to be a misunderstanding."
Shawn gave his uncle an appreciative smile. "It was. Just like the fight at the pub about Chloe was a misunderstanding. I do not have feelings for her. She may be one of my closest friends, but that's all we are. I couldn't fall for Chloe even if I tried; I just don't feel that way about her."
"Shawn, look, I believe you, okay? I just don't want to be late for my next class."
"No, it's not okay. I want the chance to explain everything to you."
A glance at Philip and Mimi's reassuring expressions convinced Belle to hear what Shawn had to say. "Fine, spill."
"Okay, after everyone left the pub, Chloe really blasted me and Philip for our fight. She told us what jerks we had been and that she was disgusted by the immature way we acted."
"I still don't understand what happened that night, Shawn. What was up with that love machine?"
The look that Shawn shared with Philip convinced Belle that Shawn had definitely not been working alone that night. "You guys were in on whatever was going on together, weren't you?"
"Yeah," answered Philip. "And, Chloe was helping us, too."
"But, that doesn't really matter right now. All that's important is that you understand what happened on Saturday."
"I'm listening."
"Alright, I was at my house when Chloe showed up to apologize for yelling at me and Philip. I told her that we could both just forgive and forget if she helped me wash my new truck. Well, to cut to the chase, I was joking around and Chloe ended up getting all wet. So, I told her that we could just put her clothes in the dryer and she could wear one of my shirts until her stuff was dry. And, since the air conditioner was broke, I was way too hot to be wearing a shirt."
Seeing that he still held Belle's full attention, Shawn continued, "And, when you showed up, Chloe and I had just finished a tickling war. Of course, before I would end the war, Chloe had to give in to my demands - complimenting me."
"But, I heard you tell her that she was the first girl you had ever . . ."
"Ever what?" Shawn questioned.
Refusing to make eye contact with Shawn, Belle stated, "You guys were in bed talking about how magical it had been, and you said that she was the first girl you had ever used the hose on."
Struggling to control his own laughter as Philip and Mimi flashed him their amused grins, Shawn explained, "Belle, honey, I was referring to the water hose - that was what I used to get Chloe all wet."
Belle could feel her cheeks turn various shades of dark pink from her embarrassment. Continuing to look away from Shawn, she muttered, "I feel so stupid."
Shawn smiled and wrapped his arms protectively around Belle. Resting his face on her soft blond hair, he remarked, "Don't feel stupid, Belle. It was just a mistake, and we all make them. I'm just glad that you let me explain."
Keeping her body firmly pressed against Shawn's, Belle whispered, "So am I."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After Mr. Woods finished speaking to Zach, Chloe, and Jason, the three made their way to the door. However, as Zach continued to leave the room, Jason gently tugged on Chloe's arm, urging her to stop walking for a moment.
"Hey, Chloe, about the way we treated each other in class today . . ."
Smirking, Chloe responded, "You mean like friends?"
"Yeah, well, that was just a little weird."
"I know what you mean. So, you're wanting to ask me if I will keep our little friendship in this classroom only?"
"How did you know?"
"I was thinking the exact same thing, Jason. Can you imagine the chaos that would be caused if the student body found out that you and I, arch enemies of Salem High, were getting along?" Feigning a shiver, Chloe said, "It's just too scary."
"So, we're agreed. We can be friends in psychology, but nowhere else. After all, it's either talking to you or getting the complete silent treatment from 'shy girl.' I have no choice but to hang with you in class, but it would totally ruin our reps if people thought we were pals or something."
Giving Jason a gentle push in the direction of the door, Chloe remarked, "Okay, tough guy, let's go join our friends."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The slightly intimate moment created by Shawn holding Belle in his arms was shattered when Jason suddenly appeared. "You naughty kids know that PDA is a no-no. Do I need to go get Mr. Woods?"
The blush still on her cheeks, Belle pulled away from Shawn. "No, Jason, I don't think that you need to go get anyone. But, speaking of Mr. Woods, how did that go in there?"
Zach answered, "It was no big deal. He just told us that we should play nice."
"Zach's right," agreed Jason. "Nothing big happened. He just said that he didn't approve of the way we treated Jan."
"Look," said Belle. "We really need to get to class. But, first, I have a suggestion. Shawn, do you remember when we were little and your grandparents would have a barbecue on the first day of school for us? Well, I think that we should do that this year, except not at your grandparent's."
"Well, we can't have it at my house. After the party at the pub, I stayed until nearly three in the morning cleaning up. When I did get home, my parents told me that my days of party hosting were over. And, we can't exactly do any grilling at your penthouse. I seriously doubt that your folks would enjoy having a group of us in the living room flipping burgers."
Forever optimistic, Belle stated, "Well, we'll just have to have it somewhere else. Mimi, what about your house?"
"No can do. My mom has been sick for the past few days and is just now starting to feel better. There's no way she needs all of us running around."
"How about the mansion, Philip?" Shawn asked as he helped Belle attempt to find a location for the barbecue.
"It's not an option, Shawn. My dad has these Italian business associates of his staying with us, and they are working on some big merger. He doesn't even like having me around the house. He would probably freak if a bunch of my friends showed up."
Chloe and Zach cringed when Belle's joyful face was turned in their direction. Before she could even ask, Chloe answered, "No, not in a million years. We wouldn't be able to have any fun because Nancy would be hovering and complaining."
"Chloe's right, there is no way we are having a barbecue at our house. Craig grounded me the minute I walked in the door, and didn't let me out of there for the entire weekend. Now that my time has been served, I am not going to spend my free time just hanging around the house."
"So, where does that leave us?" Belle questioned aloud. As she asked, her eyes, along with five other pairs, stared expectantly at Jason.
Throwing his hands up in the air, Jason declared, "Fine, we can do the grilling at my house. But, there are a few rules. First, leave the love machine at home. Second, Philip, this one is for you, no fighting. My baby sister just moved back home, and I really don't want her to have to watch you guys beat one another into a pulp. Third, we all split up the food and nobody forgets the steaks."
The teens were torn from their plans when the tardy bell rang, deeming them all late for their second period class. As the group began to dissipate, Jason added, "One more thing, nobody goes upstairs and hangs out in my room."
As the rest of the teens drifted to their own classes, Jason caught Mimi's arm with the hand not holding his psychology book. He wiggled his eyebrows and leaned gloriously close to her. "You know, if you want me to slip back into that towel, I could make you an exception to that last rule."
Mimi playfully slapped Jason's chest, "You are such a pain. I'm going to French class."
As Mimi stormed off, Jason ran to catch up with her, stating, "Wait! I have French this period, too. We can just tell the teacher that we were late because we were having a major make-out session in the maintenance closet."
Mimi stopped walking and spun around to face Jason. "As if anyone would believe that."
Confused by Mimi's remark and the resentment it held, Jason asked, "Why wouldn't they?"
As she turned away from Jason and began to walk to class with him following her, Mimi stated, "Look, Jase, we've had this conversation before. You're the popular jock, and I am the unpopular homeless girl."
Walking quickly to keep up with Mimi, Jason clenched his fist at his side as the unexpected anger ran rampant though his body. Not only was Mimi saying that she wasn't good enough, she was also implying that Jason was too shallow to want a girl who had been homeless. Jason was a lot of things, many of them not nice. But, he wasn't the kind of guy who would refuse dating someone because of their financial situation.
Unclenching his fist, Jason reached out and gently pulled Mimi to a stop. Then, he turned her body so that she was facing him. Glaring down at Mimi, Jason vowed, "You're right, we have had this conversation, but we've never finished it. And, tonight when you come over for the barbecue, we are. I guarantee it."
Jason's eyes were almost closed when a movement of red caught his attention on the other side of the room. It was none other than his ex-girlfriend leaning forward, over the top of her own desk, to flirt with the guy in front of her.
Jason realized that he must have been staring when Chloe turned halfway in her seat to face him, whispering, "Does it bother you that she's over there with those guys instead of being over here with you?"
"Nah, they can have her. In fact, they probably already have."
"I don't doubt that," responded Chloe as she turned to once again face the front of the room. Given the choice of either listening to some jock attempt a few kind words for a presumed geek or pondering Jason's love life, Chloe easily chose the latter. She turned her upper body just enough to see Jason. In her lowest whisper, Chloe quickly stated, "You're better off without her." That said, Chloe turned away from Jason. Chill bumps threatened to take over her body when she realized that she and Jason were almost acting like friends.
Across from Chloe, Zach was equally bored. It had taken him less than a minute to complete the assignment, and that had left him with too much time with absolutely nothing to do. Finally, desperate for any type of recreation, Zach picked up his pen and began to use it as an investigating tool. Unfortunately, the subject for his experiment objected to having his head poked by the semi-sharp object.
Kevin turned in his seat and gave Zach his harshest glare. But, considering it was Kevin, it only succeeded in making him look constipated, which provoked Zach even farther. As Zach chuckled at Kevin's fiercest expression, Kevin declared, "I do not appreciate your behavior. It is simply unacceptable for you to sit in that seat and assault me in a classroom."
"Assault you? Man, take a chill pill. In fact, take a whole bottle, maybe that would put you in the morgue and me out of my misery. Jeesh, I was just checking to see if that super-gelled hair of yours is as hard as it looks. Really, if you're ever in a shootout, just point your head in the direction of the gun, because your hair has got to be bulletproof. Not to mention a little on the tacky side."
"A little?" Philip snorted from his place across from Zach. "Then again, Zach, you don't exactly look like you went easy on the hair gel this morning either."
"Yeah, but my hair looks stylish, his just looks like a cheap helmet."
"If you say so."
"Well, hey, at least I chose one color and stuck with it. What is up with that chunk of blond hair on the side of your head? Really, was someone drunk when they did that to you? You almost make this geek in front of me look trendy."
Kevin would have given what he believed to be a witty comeback had Mr. Woods not called on him to read his five compliments aloud to the class and warned his two tormentors to silence themselves.
As Kevin droned on about the good qualities of the ditzy cheerleader to Philip's left, Mimi found herself leaning forward in her own desk to sneak a few peeks at Jason. He was practically lying down in his desk, and his legs were stretched out beside Chloe. At that moment, Mimi would have sold her soul to be Chloe and have Jason's legs nearly encircling her.
Mimi's beguiling thoughts were interrupted by Mr. Woods calling on Belle to stand and tell the class who she had been assigned and what was so great about that person.
Rising from her desk, Belle stood beside it, purposely avoiding any glances to the side of the room where Shawn and Chloe were sitting. Physically forcing herself to smile, Belle said, "I was assigned Philip Kiriakis, so it wasn't really that hard to think of five great things about him, especially since we've been friends for nearly as long as I can remember."
Jason rolled his eyes at Belle's sweet introduction. If no one livened things up, there was no doubt in Jason's mind that he would fall asleep. Philip was his friend, but that didn't mean Jason wanted to hear just how exceptional and superior he was.
"First, Philip is a loyal friend. Like I said, we've been friends forever, so I would know."
Shawn moved his body in his desk so he could quietly speak to Chloe. "I've been her friend forever."
"Second, Philip is always willing to help someone in need."
"So am I," continued Shawn, barely above a whisper.
"Third, he never hesitates to offer me a ride home from school if I need it."
"Why doesn't she ever ask me for a ride home?"
Chloe leaned close to Shawn and whispered, "Maybe because you just bought your truck over the summer and today is only the first day of school?"
"Fourth, he's a great dresser."
"What, am I complete slob?"
"And," concluded Belle with a genuine smile. "The fifth thing that I like about Philip is . . . well, his dimples."
When Philip sent Belle a smile that displayed those dimples, Shawn gave Chloe his most exasperated look and asked, "His dimples aren't all that great are they?"
Glancing past Shawn to her boyfriend, Chloe gave a weak smile. "They are pretty sexy . . . but, they aren't great enough to make any girl forget about another guy if she has real feelings for him." At that moment, Chloe wasn't sure if she was referring to Belle and Shawn or herself and Brady.
Before Chloe could even begin to analyze her feelings for Belle's brother, Mr. Woods announced that it was Shawn's turn to stand and tell the class about his assigned person.
"Well, I was given Mimi's name, so here are my five favorite things about her. She's a good friend, and anyone that has ever spent time with her knows it."
Following the comment, Shawn was too absorbed in trying to not stare at the beautiful Belle Black to notice Chloe's light snort and roll of the eyes, Zach's extremely bored stare into space, or Jason's eyes focusing on him as he wondered just how good of friends Shawn and Mimi were.
"Next, Meems never acts better than everybody else. Plus, she's a hard worker. Also, she has this really warm and bubbly personality that you just have to love."
Blushing under Shawn's praise, Mimi also failed to notice the displeased look that scorned Jason's face. He really didn't like the idea of Shawn referring to Mimi and love in the same sentence. The guy already had Chloe and Belle. Wasn't that enough?
"And, last but not least, Mimi's a good conversationalist. Or, in other words, she really likes to talk."
Next to be called upon by Mr. Woods was Chloe. She was hesitant to stand and knew that Mr. Woods had been paying special attention and assigned her that person for a reason.
Looking pointedly at her former best friend, Chloe said, "I was given Belle's name, so here are my five things: she's willing to be anyone's friend, she gives great advice, she's always perky, she's quite possibly the world's greatest shopper . . . and, I know that she would never judge someone without having all the facts."
Belle, Chloe, and the rest of the gang knew that the last statement made by Chloe went much further than just being a respectable quality in a person. Chloe was trying to get Belle to allow her and Shawn time to explain.
Following Chloe was Philip. He, too, had been given the name of someone that he desperately needed to apologize to. "Okay, here are five things that I like about Shawn Brady. Number one, he doesn't care about how much money a person has. Rich and poor people are just the same to him. Number two, he is willing to do anything for his friends. Number three, he is honestly a nice guy and doesn't try to take advantage of other people. Number four, he forgives me when I act like a total jerk."
Even Shawn had to smile at that one. He could tell from the strained look on Philip's face that he didn't exactly enjoy saying the things, but meant them nonetheless.
"And, number five, I know that he would never really try to steal my girl."
When Philip sat back down in his desk, he ventured a glance to where Shawn was sitting and was rewarded with a smile from his friend. Smiling back, Philip felt some of the tension release itself from his body.
From the front of the classroom, Mr. Woods continued with the assignment. "Mr. Wesley, I tried to give you the name of someone you had already acquainted yourself with. I assume that you were able to complete the assignment?"
Standing up, Zach answered with a wicked grin, "Yeah, I completed it. In fact, it was pretty simple." Zach turned his attention away from the teacher and began to address his fellow students. "The person whose ego I was assigned to stroke is Chloe."
Chloe could only groan as Zach began his list of her better qualities. "The first thing that I like about Chloe is that she didn't puke in my car when I took that last curve at seventy miles per hour this morning." Giving Chloe a thumbs up, Zach added, "Very good job holding down those cookies."
"Next, I like Chloe because she saved me some hot water this morning for my shower. The third thing that I like about her is that unlike some girls . . ." Zach paused to glare at Jan. "Chloe doesn't cling to every guy she meets like a second skin."
"Jan," coughed Jason with practically no subtlety.
Continuing before Mr. Woods could reprimand any of his comments, Zach quickly added, "And the other two things that I like about her are: she has a really soft bed and looks good in her nightie."
Zach could actually hear the thud from Chloe dropping her head down on her psychology book to avoid the questioning gazes of half the class. And, he could practically feel the daggers pierce his skin that Chloe's boyfriend was sending him. He wondered if the nightie comment had gone a step too far. Nah, Chloe and Philip would laugh about it - eventually.
As Zach finished his list, he could hear his new pal Jason laughing. Well, he was laughing until he yelped from pain when Chloe used her pen to stab the bottom his left leg that had been resting near her. Zach had the feeling that Chloe just didn't appreciate Jason's sense of humor.
After directing a reprimanding glare to Jason, Chloe, and Zach, Mr. Woods called upon Mimi to share her list with the class. When he had handed out the slips of papers adorned with the names of his students, Mr. Woods had taken great care in assigning each student a person that he or she would benefit from complimenting. And, after witnessing the way that some of his best students had divided up against each other, he only felt it suiting for Mimi to state the nice things about Jason Masters, who had often taunted her the previous year.
Mimi kept her eyes directed to the floor as she began, "I was assigned Jason Masters, so here are five things I don't hate about him. One, he doesn't pick on me as much as he did last year. Two, he's not afraid to stand up for himself. Three, he finally gave me back my bracelet."
A smile lit up Jason's face at the memory inspired by the third thing Mimi said. Though the rest of the class was a little confused by the bracelet remark, Jason was given a warm feeling by it. Still, that feeling wasn't enough to erase the regretful one that had taken control of him after Mimi referred to the way he had teased her. Had he really hurt her that bad?
"Four, when he's not making me want to cry, he makes me laugh. And, five, he's really good at mud fighting."
As Shawn, Belle, Philip, Chloe, and Jason softly laughed, Zach commented, "Ooh, sounds kinky."
"Mr. Wesley, I don't believe that statement was necessary," responded Mr. Woods as he sent Zach that same reprimanding glare. "Now, Mr. Masters, it's your turn."
Jason stood up and attempted to force back his own agitation. He no trouble interrupting class with his humorous remarks or being the life of any party, but he had always hated having to stand in front of his peers and try to be serious. That was the reason he had chosen the most amusing things he could possibly say about someone he had known less than a day.
Using his trademark facade of confidence to mask his nervousness, Jason began, "I will now present to you the top five things that are great about our new student Zach Wesley. Number five, he drives a really sweet car. Number four, he's obviously good at annoying Chloe. Number three, he was smart enough to make friends with me on his first day here. Number two, the guy was able to get the phone numbers of three cheerleaders just during the assembly this morning. And, the number one reason why Zach Wesley is a good guy, he already knows that Jan is trash and treats her like it."
As Jason bowed to his snickering classmates, he was shocked to hear Chloe Lane clapping loudly. Of course, her applause was short lived as the bell rang and Mr. Woods ordered Jason, Chloe, and Zach to all stay after class.
The trio made no attempts to move from their desks as they waited for all the students to leave the room so they could receive their lecture from Mr. Woods.
A smiling figure looming over Chloe forced her to ignore Mr. Woods unhappy expression. Laughing, Philip stated, "I can't believe that my girlfriend, Chloe Lane, got in trouble in class. And, it was on the first day of school."
Returning the smile, Chloe responded, "I'm not in trouble. All I did was clap."
Philip glanced over his shoulder and saw Shawn leading Belle and Mimi out of the classroom. "Look, I'm going to step out in the hall and try to have a reasonable conversation with Shawn and Belle. I'll be waiting for you."
The moment Philip left the room, Zach leaned over and mimicked, "I'll be waiting for you."
"Shut-up, Zach," ordered Chloe as she turned in her seat to once again face Jason. She had noticed the almost sad look in his eyes when Jan stormed by him and out the door of the classroom. Quietly, Chloe said, "You know, it's okay if you miss having her around."
His expression uncharacteristically serious, Jason met Chloe's gaze and replied, "I didn't really love her, but it still hurts not having her with me. I mean, even though we were wrong for each other and I could never quite fall in love with her, I just didn't want to completely let go."
A tear slipped excruciatingly slow down Chloe's cheek as she looked past Jason and saw Philip's smiling face in the doorway. Wiping the tear away with the back of her hand, Chloe whispered, "I know how you feel."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"So," began Shawn. "Will you please let me explain what you thought you saw at my house? Please?"
Stepping away from the doorway to join his other friends, Philip stated, "Belle, you really should let him explain. I know that whatever happened had to be a misunderstanding."
Shawn gave his uncle an appreciative smile. "It was. Just like the fight at the pub about Chloe was a misunderstanding. I do not have feelings for her. She may be one of my closest friends, but that's all we are. I couldn't fall for Chloe even if I tried; I just don't feel that way about her."
"Shawn, look, I believe you, okay? I just don't want to be late for my next class."
"No, it's not okay. I want the chance to explain everything to you."
A glance at Philip and Mimi's reassuring expressions convinced Belle to hear what Shawn had to say. "Fine, spill."
"Okay, after everyone left the pub, Chloe really blasted me and Philip for our fight. She told us what jerks we had been and that she was disgusted by the immature way we acted."
"I still don't understand what happened that night, Shawn. What was up with that love machine?"
The look that Shawn shared with Philip convinced Belle that Shawn had definitely not been working alone that night. "You guys were in on whatever was going on together, weren't you?"
"Yeah," answered Philip. "And, Chloe was helping us, too."
"But, that doesn't really matter right now. All that's important is that you understand what happened on Saturday."
"I'm listening."
"Alright, I was at my house when Chloe showed up to apologize for yelling at me and Philip. I told her that we could both just forgive and forget if she helped me wash my new truck. Well, to cut to the chase, I was joking around and Chloe ended up getting all wet. So, I told her that we could just put her clothes in the dryer and she could wear one of my shirts until her stuff was dry. And, since the air conditioner was broke, I was way too hot to be wearing a shirt."
Seeing that he still held Belle's full attention, Shawn continued, "And, when you showed up, Chloe and I had just finished a tickling war. Of course, before I would end the war, Chloe had to give in to my demands - complimenting me."
"But, I heard you tell her that she was the first girl you had ever . . ."
"Ever what?" Shawn questioned.
Refusing to make eye contact with Shawn, Belle stated, "You guys were in bed talking about how magical it had been, and you said that she was the first girl you had ever used the hose on."
Struggling to control his own laughter as Philip and Mimi flashed him their amused grins, Shawn explained, "Belle, honey, I was referring to the water hose - that was what I used to get Chloe all wet."
Belle could feel her cheeks turn various shades of dark pink from her embarrassment. Continuing to look away from Shawn, she muttered, "I feel so stupid."
Shawn smiled and wrapped his arms protectively around Belle. Resting his face on her soft blond hair, he remarked, "Don't feel stupid, Belle. It was just a mistake, and we all make them. I'm just glad that you let me explain."
Keeping her body firmly pressed against Shawn's, Belle whispered, "So am I."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After Mr. Woods finished speaking to Zach, Chloe, and Jason, the three made their way to the door. However, as Zach continued to leave the room, Jason gently tugged on Chloe's arm, urging her to stop walking for a moment.
"Hey, Chloe, about the way we treated each other in class today . . ."
Smirking, Chloe responded, "You mean like friends?"
"Yeah, well, that was just a little weird."
"I know what you mean. So, you're wanting to ask me if I will keep our little friendship in this classroom only?"
"How did you know?"
"I was thinking the exact same thing, Jason. Can you imagine the chaos that would be caused if the student body found out that you and I, arch enemies of Salem High, were getting along?" Feigning a shiver, Chloe said, "It's just too scary."
"So, we're agreed. We can be friends in psychology, but nowhere else. After all, it's either talking to you or getting the complete silent treatment from 'shy girl.' I have no choice but to hang with you in class, but it would totally ruin our reps if people thought we were pals or something."
Giving Jason a gentle push in the direction of the door, Chloe remarked, "Okay, tough guy, let's go join our friends."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The slightly intimate moment created by Shawn holding Belle in his arms was shattered when Jason suddenly appeared. "You naughty kids know that PDA is a no-no. Do I need to go get Mr. Woods?"
The blush still on her cheeks, Belle pulled away from Shawn. "No, Jason, I don't think that you need to go get anyone. But, speaking of Mr. Woods, how did that go in there?"
Zach answered, "It was no big deal. He just told us that we should play nice."
"Zach's right," agreed Jason. "Nothing big happened. He just said that he didn't approve of the way we treated Jan."
"Look," said Belle. "We really need to get to class. But, first, I have a suggestion. Shawn, do you remember when we were little and your grandparents would have a barbecue on the first day of school for us? Well, I think that we should do that this year, except not at your grandparent's."
"Well, we can't have it at my house. After the party at the pub, I stayed until nearly three in the morning cleaning up. When I did get home, my parents told me that my days of party hosting were over. And, we can't exactly do any grilling at your penthouse. I seriously doubt that your folks would enjoy having a group of us in the living room flipping burgers."
Forever optimistic, Belle stated, "Well, we'll just have to have it somewhere else. Mimi, what about your house?"
"No can do. My mom has been sick for the past few days and is just now starting to feel better. There's no way she needs all of us running around."
"How about the mansion, Philip?" Shawn asked as he helped Belle attempt to find a location for the barbecue.
"It's not an option, Shawn. My dad has these Italian business associates of his staying with us, and they are working on some big merger. He doesn't even like having me around the house. He would probably freak if a bunch of my friends showed up."
Chloe and Zach cringed when Belle's joyful face was turned in their direction. Before she could even ask, Chloe answered, "No, not in a million years. We wouldn't be able to have any fun because Nancy would be hovering and complaining."
"Chloe's right, there is no way we are having a barbecue at our house. Craig grounded me the minute I walked in the door, and didn't let me out of there for the entire weekend. Now that my time has been served, I am not going to spend my free time just hanging around the house."
"So, where does that leave us?" Belle questioned aloud. As she asked, her eyes, along with five other pairs, stared expectantly at Jason.
Throwing his hands up in the air, Jason declared, "Fine, we can do the grilling at my house. But, there are a few rules. First, leave the love machine at home. Second, Philip, this one is for you, no fighting. My baby sister just moved back home, and I really don't want her to have to watch you guys beat one another into a pulp. Third, we all split up the food and nobody forgets the steaks."
The teens were torn from their plans when the tardy bell rang, deeming them all late for their second period class. As the group began to dissipate, Jason added, "One more thing, nobody goes upstairs and hangs out in my room."
As the rest of the teens drifted to their own classes, Jason caught Mimi's arm with the hand not holding his psychology book. He wiggled his eyebrows and leaned gloriously close to her. "You know, if you want me to slip back into that towel, I could make you an exception to that last rule."
Mimi playfully slapped Jason's chest, "You are such a pain. I'm going to French class."
As Mimi stormed off, Jason ran to catch up with her, stating, "Wait! I have French this period, too. We can just tell the teacher that we were late because we were having a major make-out session in the maintenance closet."
Mimi stopped walking and spun around to face Jason. "As if anyone would believe that."
Confused by Mimi's remark and the resentment it held, Jason asked, "Why wouldn't they?"
As she turned away from Jason and began to walk to class with him following her, Mimi stated, "Look, Jase, we've had this conversation before. You're the popular jock, and I am the unpopular homeless girl."
Walking quickly to keep up with Mimi, Jason clenched his fist at his side as the unexpected anger ran rampant though his body. Not only was Mimi saying that she wasn't good enough, she was also implying that Jason was too shallow to want a girl who had been homeless. Jason was a lot of things, many of them not nice. But, he wasn't the kind of guy who would refuse dating someone because of their financial situation.
Unclenching his fist, Jason reached out and gently pulled Mimi to a stop. Then, he turned her body so that she was facing him. Glaring down at Mimi, Jason vowed, "You're right, we have had this conversation, but we've never finished it. And, tonight when you come over for the barbecue, we are. I guarantee it."