THE NEXT DAY

"You like him," Manny declared.

Emma was annoyed, "No I don't."

"Then why did you run over to him instead of helping Chester?"

Emma was irritated, "Look, Manny, I hate Jay. He hates me. Emphases on the hate."

"Ok, change of subject," Manny suggested.

Emma turned to her, "Which should I wear?" she asked, holding up a white sundress in one hand and a short sleeved pink shirt with a denim mini-skirt in the other.

"I would wear the dress but it really isn't you…"

"Well then, I'll make it me," Emma insisted.

x

"Tobes," JT waved his hand in front of his best friend's face, "Earth to Toby."

Toby, still in the gaze, mumbled, "I must be dreaming."

Danny looked toward the door, "Whoa."

In front of them, was Emma and Manny. Emma had never looked so beautiful.

"Hey, guys," Manny noticed the attention wasn't on her, but on Emma, who was looking in an entirely different direction.

"Hey Emma," Toby said hopefully.

Emma turned to him, "Oh… hey, Toby," she said before walking away.

Danny was in shock, "What's with her?"

"She's just been having an off day," Manny said awkwardly.

"Obviously," JT began, "The Emma I know would never wear something like that."

Manny sighed, "I'll see you three later."

Toby still hadn't taken his eyes off Emma.

"If you think you have a chance with her, you really are dreaming," JT informed him.

x

Emma's POV

Where's Jay? …Why do I care? I don't like Jay. Really. I don't.

x

Jay woke up out of bed. He glanced at his alarm clock. 10:24 am. Damn. Forgot to set my alarm again. I think I'll ditch school today.

Jay threw on a shirt and went downstairs. He noticed a bunch of beer bottles on the living room floor. His dad was asleep on the couch, an empty bottle in his hand. Oh shit, dad's been drinking. Jay knew what happened when his father drank. He used to beat him and his mother. After his mother left, Jay's dad took out all his fury on him. By now, Jay had learned that whenever his dad was home, he needed to leave. There was no way he was going to stay home today. He was going to school. It was a lot better than this.

x

Jay ran into the school just as the bell rang. Shit. He kicked his locker open. Out of the corner of his eye; he saw a glimpse of blonde hair. Cause girl. What does she want now? He turned to face her and noticed she wasn't looking at him but was talking to Craig.

Jay's POV

Phew. She's talking to Manning. She looks different today. I mean really nice… Ok. Get a hold of yourself, Jay. You do not like Greenpeace. You know that.

x

"Brooks, I'm so gonna beat your ass tonight."

Jay smiled. Now there was a familiar voice, Alex.

"Dream on," Jimmy replied.

Craig stepped in, "I sure hope you're talking about another round of euchre."

"You two are so going down," Ellie laughed.

"Right…" Jimmy replied.

"Now why would I lie to you? I'm the most honest person you know."

Jimmy had to agree, "True. True."

Why is she hanging out with those losers? Jay wanted Alex back. Ok, not actually want, but need. Well, he wanted to want her.

"Alex," Jay put his hand on her shoulder, "wait."

Alex faced him, "Get your filthy hands off me. Didn't we already go thru this?"

What is it that girls really love? Oh, yeah. The word.

"Lexxi, I love you."

Alex wasn't buying it, "And I'm supposed to care?"

"With those other girls… it didn't mean anything. They don't even compare to you."

"In the sex department?"

"Alex, that's not what I said."

Alex was aggravated, "Well that's what you meant. Gee, I feel appreciated."

This was going to take some very tough negotiating.

x

"Chester, how's your lip?" Emma asked.

"A little numb, but its ok."

Manny filed her nails, "Jay is usually such a wonderful person," she said in a sarcastic tone.

Chester stifled a laugh, "I'll tell you something though. He sure seems fond of Emma."

Manny coughed.

"Why would you say that?" Emma asked. She bit her lip.

Chester continued, "He did not like the thought of me asking you out."

"Oh, you were gonna ask me out?" Emma asked, pretending that to sound interested.

"Yeah. You up for it?" Chester replied.

Emma hesitated briefly, "I'll have to check my schedule."

Chester nodded, "Duty calls. Your dad has a huge exam in store for me."

"Oh, how exciting!" Emma grinned.

Manny glared at Emma, "Since when do you have a 'schedule'?"

"I've been busy," she answered.

"Not busy enough to blow off Chester! He's gorgeous, sweet, considerate…"

"Why don't you go out with him then?"

"He's not interested in me. Not in that way."

"I just don't find him that… attractive," Emma brushed her hand against the fly that had landed on her sandwich.

"Give him a chance, Emma. He can be good for you… if you let him. You haven't dated since you and Chris broke up."

"Thanks for reminding me. I don't know what I ever saw in Chris. I can't believe it took me this long to realize what a jerk he is," Emma sighed, "Look, I have to go. I'll sleep on it, okay?"

Manny sat there, alone, with a sincere look of concern on her face.