Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide; it's the property of Scott Fellows and Nickelodeon.

Seize the Day

Chapter 2: Trials of the Heart

Confidence bolstered, Ned Bigby ran though the halls of James K. Polk Middle School. Time to find Suzie and ask her to the dance. Moze was right, there's no way she can turn me down. Moze…

Slowing his pace, Ned started to replay the events of the day in his head. Let's see…Moze came up…seemed like something was off with her. Maybe I should have talk to her more…Then I asked about Suzie and Moze looked…well sad…I hate to her sad, she's got such a great smile. I like it when she smiles…WHOA. Where did that come from?

For the second time in just a few minutes Ned Bigby had less than "Best Friend" type thoughts about one Jennifer Mosley. Shaking his head in an attempt to clear it. I have to find Moze…I mean Suzie…I mean…Ok that's it. I need help.

Of late one Ned Bigby was having strange thoughts about his "Best Friend" Moze. Today wasn't the first time it happened either. It seemed that more and more that making sure Moze was happy was one of his top priorities.

Sure they were best friends and all best friends like to see each other happy. He liked to see Cookie happy, but with Moze it was just felt different. With Moze it hurt him if she was unhappy; he felt something that could almost literally be called pain.

What am I doing? Come on Bigby snap out of it. It's only Moze. Relax. Your "Best Friend" remember? Not your "Girl Friend." Right. I have to find Suzie she's the girl I want to go to the dance with. Right…

Spotting Suzie at the other end of the hall, Ned skidded to a halt in front of her. "Um. Hi Suzie."

Startled Suzie offered a smile, "Hi Ned."

"So how are you today, you look, um, nice." Ned stammered, trying to come up with something to break the ice. Come on Bigby. You're not going to freeze this time.

"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself Ned."

"So Suzie I was wondering…" Ned started, trying to form the words. Not going to freeze. Talking to Moze is never this hard…

Suzie Crabgrass just smiled, she knew where this was going. She'd been expecting it. "…If I'd go to the dance with you on Friday, right Ned?"

Surprised to say the least, Ned tried to form an understandable response. "I wanted to know if you think I should ask Moze to the dance…" Ned realizing what he said slammed his hand over his mouth. What have I done? What am I saying? Come on Ned. This is Suzie think…

"Oh…"

"NO. Suzie. What I meant to ask was if you wanted to go to the dance with me." Ned placed his hands in front of him as if trying to defend himself. "Yeah wanted to know if you wanted to go with me. Um yeah."

The young girl chuckled lightly. "Sure Ned I'll go with you, that is; if I'm the one you really want to go with…" It really is sweet; he must really get nervous around me.

Ned nodded profusely. "I definitely want to go with you. Suzie."

"Ok then. Pick me up at my house at 7:00." Suzie turned and headed toward class.

"Ok." Ned called after her. What's happening? Wanted to know if I should ask Moze…I don't like Moze, well I mean I like Moze, just not in the date kind of way right?

Now more than ever Ned Bigby was confused. Sure he'd thought about Moze a lot more lately and yes he cared about her. But he now had a date with his "dream girl." So why aren't I happy?

A/N: Hello everyone. I really, really, really want to say thank you for all the wonderful reviews. You've all really encouraged me. Thank you so much. That said I should probably apologize to all of you. This chapter isn't what it should be and I'm sorry. I just can't seem to get it all out right. So I'm sorry if it sucked and it was short. I'm working to make the next one better. Please hang in there. And if you leave a non-flaming review I'd really appreciate it, Thanks!