Brian and I had made plans to meet after school to get coffee. I was really trying to be better than what everyone thought. I know I had said that we wouldn't be friends today, but I honestly didn't want that.

I learned that I didn't have to be what everyone wanted me to be, and sitting with Brian at lunch was the first step to a whole new me.

I had English class next period with Andy. I waited for him outside, and he knew exactly what I was going to say.

"So what have you heard?" he asked.

"I heard that you are only dating her because she must be easy because in the words of Natalie 'why would you want her when you could have them?'"

"Seriously? These people are ridiculous. It's not even like that. Allison is…well, she's different. I've never met anymore like her. She won't take my bullshit, and I need someone like that. To her I'm not Andrew Clark the wrestler. I can just be Andy,"

"It sounds like someone learned something from detention. I know what you mean though. Brian and I had lunch, and I'm pretty sure if looks could kill, I would be dead,"

"Wow, I'm really proud of you. Have you seen John?"

"No, but I'm scared if I do. I mean, what do I say to him? It's not like he's my boyfriend, and he drives me nuts. But I think about him all the time,"

"It sounds like you actually care about him, and he obviously had an effect on you, so take a chance. How bad can it be?"

"I know. Hey, Brian and I are going to get coffee after school. Why don't you and Allison meet us outside school, and we can all go together?"

"Wow Claire, it looks like you are trying to kill your reputation all in one day," Andy said with a laugh.

"I think it's kind of destroyed from lunch, but you killed yours too, so I guess that means we are all even now,"

"That sounds great. I'm sure Ally will be more than up for it,"

"Great. We better get inside before we get another detention," I said with a laugh.

Brian also went to his next class, which also happened to be his most dreaded…shop.

He walked in, and he realized that Bender was in his class. He had never noticed before, but it was probably because John hardly ever came to school.

Brian didn't want to be the first to say anything for fear of what Bender would do, but Brian was shocked when John came over and set his station up next to him.

"Look, I know you are freaked out about your grade, and I talked to Mr. Smith, and he said he would give you another shot," John said.

Brian didn't know what to say, so he just stared at him.

"I told him I would help you, so you better get your shit together, and let's get started,"

Brian did as he was told, and together John helped save Brian's GPA.

"I can't believe you did that for me," Brian said.

"Yeah, well I can't believe I did either, but I guess I'm trying something new,"

"You're trying to be a better person?" Brian asked.

"I guess you could say that,"

"For any reason in particular, or should I say person?"

"I haven't seen her all day, so I don't know what you are talking about,"

"She and I had lunch today,"

"The princess left her posse to eat lunch with you?"

"Yeah, I guess she's trying something different too. If I remember right, someone told her she was a bitch, and I think that got to her,"

"I like to speak my mind," Bender said.

"Yeah, well it obviously made an impact. We're even going to get coffee after school. You should come,"

"I don't drink coffee, and I didn't bring any money with me,"

"You don't have to drink coffee, and I'll buy you something,"

"I was a dick to you Saturday. Why are you being nice?" Bender asked.

"I guess I'm trying something new too. I'm trying not to be as judgmental of other people. So will you come?"

"Yeah, I'll come,"

"Great. Meet us outside after school is over,"

I didn't see Bender all day…until I walked outside and saw him waiting with Brian.