I ran up to Alex immediately when I saw her, walking alone after the last bell. "Alex." I called, expecting her to turn around. She didn't.

I called for her again. Alex clearly heard me, but contuined her walk out the door. I caught up to her quickly, and she looked away. "Alex? What's wrong?"

She looked pissed, and without saying a word, pushed past me. I was hurt, confused, and crushed. Before I could protest, however, she turned around. "Manuela Santos, huh? At first I thought you were just bothering me, and then I thought- for a second- you might not be a complete asshole. Guess I was wrong, right?"

"Manny Santos? I dated her last year... what are you talking about?" I whined exasperatedly.

"I wonder why you would date her. You certainly can't date someone for their personality if they don't have any." She paused, obviously furious. "I was better off with Jay. He may be a complete prick, but at least he doesn't mess with me." She left on that note, out the door and down the street. I stood dumbstruck. Half of me wanted to run after her, as far away as she may be, and kiss her and the other half wanted to tell her to go back to Jay. To waste her life with him.

Instead, I decided to stay in the school. I wanted to find Alex's friends, I wanted to wring Manny's neck, I wanted to ask Chris for advice. I found the DJ by the gym alone, practicing breakdancing. He greeted me, and showed some of his "movez".

"So, what's up?" He asked, after finishing.

Most days I would be reluctant to tell anyone if my woes, but I needed advice. "Alex is mad at me for no reason. She yelled something about Manny Santos, called me an asshole, and said she was better off with her ex boyfriend."

Chris grinned. "So, you're finally admiting that you two are meant for each other?"

"I wouldn't go that far, we're hardly even dating." I paused. "So, can you help me?"

It looked as if Chris was deep in thought, as laughable as that is. "Women are hard to understand, but since you mentioned Manny Santos, I figure...."

"No! We dated last year for THREE DAYS. I didn't really like her, so I never dated her again."

"Did you two?"

Oh god. I just ate. "No. Like I said, I didn't like her."

Chris shrugged. "Maybe Alex is afraid you'll abandon her."

"Trust me, Alex is an independent type." I thought for a moment. "Jay Hogart told me that Emma Nelson was going to talk to her. She's-"

I noticed that Chris tensed at the girl's name, so I didn't go on. "Yeah, I know. Look, you have to talk to Alex, show her a grand gesture of romance." He sighed. "Any girl loves that. Ask her to prom."

"I already did."

"Did she say 'yes'?" Chris said giddily.

"Kind of.... but, she's not going to go now." Sully noticed an odd grin on Chris's face. He was plotting.

"Never underestimate the power of getting in good with her friends."