GRACE how can your life change so completely over night?

"Hey Grace!" Ashley smiled as Grace passed her in the hallway.

The simple greeting had caught Grace off guard, and she only had enough energy to give a faint smile in return.

"What's up Manning?"

Grace turned around, but Jacob- a senior on the hockey team- had already returned to his conversation, unfazed by the fact that Grace hadn't given him a reply.

"Hey" Grace replied, in a small voice, she turned around- and almost bumped into a Megan- a cheerleader.

"Sorry Grace" she said, side stepping, Grace moved aside aswell- and continued to walk.

"No problem" she mumbled in response, though Megan had already walked away to join her 'group'.

GRACE how can everybody else's perceptions of you change so drastically over night?

Grace finally reached her locker, and began to fumble in her pocket for the key- just as she was mumbling to herself, she felt strong arms wrap comfortably around her waist, and hot, sweet breaths tickle her neck.

"Guess who" a sultry whisper came in her ear.

Grace smiled, and allowed her body to loosen in Ayden's arms.

"Mmmm" she allowed herself to float in his comfort, before answering him- "could it be my wonderful night in shining armour?" Grace giggled slightly.

GRACE how did I become so corny over night?

"No" the sweet breaths tickled her neck as he spoke, "it's just Ayden" he added, and gently spun her around.

She met his deep eyes, and smiled wider as she quickly kissed him on the lips- feeling too shy and nervous to allow their lips to make a passionate embrace.

Ayden smiled slyly, knowing that Grace was reluctant- he slowly leaned into her, his arm sliding down to rest in the small of her back, he pressed their lips together- and when they finally pulled away, both were panting for breath slightly.

"Ayden" Grace suddenly felt her voice; she playfully punched him in the arm as she felt her face redden- she quickly glanced down the hallway, glad to see that no teachers were in sight.

"Hey" Ayden smiled, leaning against the locker next to Grace's.

GRACE hey?

Grace tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, "hey?" she replied, and went back to rummaging for her key.

GRACE after a passionate embrace all he can say is……..hey?

"Sorry" – Ayden's reply caught her off guard- she turned to him with a curious look.

"For what?" she asked.

"Well, I saw you standing here- with you're red cardigan, a tinge of lip stick and you're hair hanging loose……….and I just HAD to kiss you!" Ayden answered her, smoothly.

Grace felt her cheeks blush……..and she was sure they matched the colour of her red cardigan……..she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear again, unsure of what to say to Ayden's sweet words.

Grace smiled, "so, are we………" she suddenly realized these were not the words she wanted to say, not yet anyway.

"What?" Ayden asked, not expecting such a reply.

"Nothing" Grace said quickly, turning to peer inside her locker- she began rummaging through books.

"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" Ayden read her mind.

Grace paused for a moment, and then began rummaging again- pulling out her Biology book and examining it briefly.

"Yeah" she said, placing the book back in her locker.

"I want to be"

Grace turned to Ayden, peering into his deep eyes- they stared right back at her, showing all his sincerity.

"You do?" Grace asked, feeling her cheeks redden again.

"Yes"

"Well so do I!"

"You do?"

Grace and Ayden both laughed nervously………."so……we are then?" she asked, a little anxiously.

"Well, yeah- we are now officially dating" Ayden smiled, giddily.

GRACE is there supposed to be a parade………do we sign a document……..or do we just agree to be 'seeing' each other?

"Well good" Grace's smile deepened, and just as she found the courage to lean in for another passionate kiss, the bell rang.

Ayden continued to lean forward though, but his lips only landed briefly on Grace's forehead.

"See you at lunch" he smiled.

Grace's eyes sparkled, as she pulled on his arm, not allowing him to walk away- she pulled him toward her, and their lips collided.

As they parted Grace looked deeply into his eyes, "seeya" she said sweetly- and turned to walk away-leaving Ayden, standing alone in the hallway, gasping for breath.