Chapter 3: Coming Attractions

So, it was settled. Either Rose or Keel will sneak into the meeting on Friday night under the invisibility blanket. Since it was only Tuesday, everyone went about their daily lives.

Leah was getting a book out of her locker when Brad strutted up to her.

"Hey, babe," He said coyly. "how would you like to hook up with the Bradster?"

"Dream on, Brad." Leah replied with every hint of dislike. She turned and walked off.

Brad was not about to give up. He walked up to Leah and put his arm around her. Leah shrugged it off.

"Aw, come on! You know you want to!"

"No-o!"

Brad just stood there, shocked. He's never been rejected before.

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At lunch, the eight friends were talking and laughing.

"Hey, Leah." Ben said suddenly. "Can we talk? Alone?"

Leah was surprised and confused. "Sure."

The two walked outside.

"So uh, what'd you want to talk to me about?" Asked Leah.

Ben took a deep breath. "Do you wanna…um…would you…you know…"

"Are you asking me out?" Leah asked raising her eyebrows.

"U-um…yes! Yes, I am." Ben felt stronger now. "How 'bout it?"

"Sure!" Said Leah. "That'd be great! I'd love to!"

"Great!" Said Ben, smiling. "Is Friday night at seven okay?"

"Sounds good!"

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"Hey, Kel, wait up!"

Cat caught up with Kel on the way home from school.

"Hey, Cat." Kel greeted.

"Um, listen, we haven't hung out in a long time. Wanna do something?" Asked Cat.

Kel sighed. "Look, Cat, I'd love nothing other than to hang out with you. You know that, but…I have a job in the Huntsclan. We can't be seen together too much anyway."

"Job, smob! You're fourteen years old!" Cat said angrily. "You're pulling a 'Shining' here! It's all work and no play with the Huntsclan!"

"I know!" He replied. "I'll make it up to you, okay? I promise."

Cat sighed. "Okay." She headed home. Kel stared after Cat and headed home too.

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Meanwhile, Jake, Trixie, and Spud were walking home together.

"Trix, I wanna apologize." Spud said. "I haven't been that supportive of you dating Kyle. That's what friends should do- support each other."

"Well, it's nice to see you've finally given me a rest, boy!" Trixie said, smiling. "Apology accepted. I'm sorry, too. You know, for spending too much time with Kyle and not enough time with my buds."

"Ah, it's cool." Said Spud.

"Well, y'all, this is my exit." Said Trixie. "See ya!"

"Bye!"

Spud just stared after Trixie and sighed. Jake noticed this.

"Yo, are you okay, Spud?"

"Not really." Spud admitted. "It's just so strange. I mean, other than my parents, Trixie is the one person I've known my entire life. I just never thought about what it'd be like with Trixie having a boyfriend."

Jake stopped and looked at his friend. "Wait, wait. Are you…jealous?"

"Me? Noo, no, no, no, no." Spud said quickly. "Wrong road! I was trying to identify a different emotion. Not jealousy."

Jake was skeptical. "You said that a little too quick."

"Dude, I am not jealous!"

Jake shrugged. "Right." He said quietly and skated off. "Whatever, dude."

Spud thought about what he said. "I think."

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Whoo! Love is in the air! But it won't last too long! 0o