Eli tapped his fingers against the steering wheel impatiently, every so often glancing around the school grounds- searching for Grace and Jessie- who were late, yet again!

Finally, Jessie emerged through the crowd- and just as she was about to approach Eli's car, one of her friends called her name- Jessie became distracted, and ceased walking- instead, she started chatting to some red head.

"Come on Jess" Eli murmured to himself through clenched teeth as he watched Jessie smile and nod, as she spoke with the girl.

"Just walk away- walk away!" Eli muttered again- urging Jessie to end the conversation so they could get home.

He'd had a bad day at work, having forgotten to mail a pile of letters- which ended up being quite important letters- - - his boss had a field day, practically screamed the place down!

"Come on Jess!" Eli said again, a little louder this time.

Jessie's smile grew wider, as the girl told her something seemingly amusing- Eli cursed himself, and decided he couldn't wait a second longer.

His hand pressed angrily against the horn, and Jessie's head snapped to the side- glaring at Eli.

Jessie finally broke the conversation, and headed to the car- as she got into the back seat, she angrily slammed the door- "I was talking Eli!" she said, bitterly.

"Well, I'm in a hurry!" Eli retorted.

"Grace isn't even here yet!" Jessie complained, crossing her arms.

"She will be soon" Eli replied quickly.

There was a moment of silence, "bet you won't yell at Grace for being late!" Jessie said, in a harsh whisper that was meant to go unheard.

Eli spun around to glare at his little sister, "what was that?" he asked.

Jessie sighed, and crossed her arms tighter; "I said I bet you wont yell at precious Grace for being late!" she repeated.

Eli stared back at his sister, a burning in his eyes; "Shut up Jessie!" he spat, and turned back around "I'm not in the mood!" he added, feeling Jessie's cold stare- but refusing to feel any remorse.

There was a fiery tension in the car, as they both silently pleaded for Grace to hurry up-

JESSIE I'm glad Grace is with Ayden………..at least now Eli can stop that sick flirting he's had going on with her for the last 2 years!

ELI she has no idea about love………. Not that I'm IN love at the moment……..it's just……….well I actually don't have feeling for anyone at the moment (scratches head nervously)

JESSIE Grace always seems to bring out the worst in him!

ELI I don't!

"Finally!"

Eli turned to Jessie, and followed her gaze out the window- to where Grace and Ayden were standing- close……….too close to be 'just' friends

ELI or 'just' study buddies!

Eli instinctively looked away, not wanting to inflict more unnecessary pain upon himself- but he also felt compelled to look………to prove to himself that he couldn't have her- so he turned back.

He watched as Ayden twirled a strand of Grace's hair between his fingers, and she laughed giddily as he whispered words in her ear.

ELI that could be me

Grace looked happy……..really happy……..she was looking pointedly into his eyes, and with every word he spoke her smile only grew.

ELI do I make her laugh?

Finally Grace turned, and noticed Eli's car- he quickly glanced away, not wanting her to see him staring so intently.

He looked back, and almost choked on jealousy as he watched them share a tender kiss- Ayden's hands brushing against her soft, blushing cheek………

ELI is her skin soft?

He wanted to look away, but couldn't, he had to know and convince himself that Grace could never be his- their kiss intensified, as their lips enclosed and never once parted.

But Grace suddenly became uncomfortable, knowing that Eli and Jessie were close by- and could easily see her and Ayden.

She pulled away, and Eli found himself able to breath again- she planted another quick kiss on Ayden's yearning lips and started walking towards the car.

Ayden waited the whole time, watching as she got into the front seat, beside Eli.

ELI if I were him……I'd never let her walk away.

Grace's blush intensified as she felt Eli's eyes on her- but her embarrassment subsided as she heard Jessie sigh irritably.

"Gee, what a surprise!" she muttered to herself, but made it perfectly clear for Grace and Eli to hear- she scoffed at the lack of yelling she knew Eli wouldn't give Grace.

"Sorry I'm late" Grace said awkwardly, ignoring Jessie's strange outburst.

"It's fine!" Eli half smiled, and flashed a quick glare into the rear view mirror- aimed at Jessie's sulking face.

Eli pulled out onto the main road, and noticed Grace glancing out the window, watching as Ayden walked along the footpath.

"So you guys are……….close?" Eli asked, breaking Grace's stare.

She shifted uncomfortably, "you saw that?" she asked, quietly.

Eli let out a small breath of laughter, though he forced himself to act calm- "Err……..kinda hard to miss………." He said slyly.

Grace smiled, glad that Eli wasn't making this more embarrassing than it already was- - - after all, she had seen HIM kissing god knows how many girls in the hallways over the years!

"Hmmm……..we're a couple now" Grace said, unable to hide the hint of unforced laughter in her tone.

Eli gripped the steering wheel- and forced a smile onto his lips through clenched teeth, "cool" was the only word he could muster.

"It is!" Grace said giddily, more to herself than Eli.

GRACE I don't know what love feels like………..but………whatever I'm feeling now…….it's amazing!

Eli nodded , realizing that Grace had now totally zoned out of all conversation- he guessed her mind was veering back to Ayden.

ELI whatever I'm feeling…….. I think she's the only one that can stop it!