All eyes focused on Mouth McFadden, one hand concealed behind his back, as he walked down the hallway but the grinning high school senior couldn't have cared less. He closed and locked the door to his beloved Media Center. It was one of his favorite places in the world and just two short years before, he couldn't have imagined he would be there. It was a media geek's dream come true. A private office in the middle of the school complete with state of the art video equipment and technology. In the center was the booth that Mouth sat at and made daily morning and afternoon school announcements. It was also where all the Ravens media magic happened from the webcasts to the website, all a product of Mouth's genius.

Sports had always been a huge part of his life. Too scrawny to play, he had always been more interested in what went on behind the scenes. While most young fans grew up admiring the college basketball players they watched on television, Mouth had grown up worshiping Dick Vitale. He knew he'd never be a star on the court but he dreamed of someday calling the play by play from the press box. In an interesting turn of events, he would get his wish. Mouth had grown up at the River Court, a basketball haven for Tree Hill's youth. Along with his best friend, Jimmy Edwards, Mouth had been the premiere broadcaster for the nightly impromptu two on two inner city championships starring Skills Taylor, Junk Moretti, Ferguson Thompson and Lucas Scott. Four of the city's most talented, none played for the high school's varsity Ravens until the day Coach Durham turned the apple cart upside down.

Who would ever think Lucas would don a Ravens jersey? He had intentionally kept to himself and his close knit group of friends, away from the spotlight, away from the Scott's. But he had deserved to be apart of that team and the moment he joined them, all the lives around him changed. Lucas and Nathan became brothers and best friends. Haley James became Mrs. Haley Scott. And the newfound popularity enjoyed by Lucas extended to his inner circle. Soon Mouth was rubbing elbows with the likes of Brooke Davis and Peyton Sawyer at parties held at Dan Scott's beach house. And gone were the days of makeshift microphones and pretending at the River Court. Soon he was named president of the media club, webmaster of the school's basketball site and official commentator for all games that were broadcast live via the web.

It was the popularity he had always dreamt about but still something was missing. He had plenty of friends but there was still envy in his eyes and in his heart when he saw the other couples around him. He had long adored the Brooke Davises and Rachel Gatinas of the world but he had been repeatedly let down gently. He was a "nice guy", the "little brother" they never had. Mouth had begun to give up but a shooting at the school by the hand of his former best friend, Jimmy had put everything into perspective. It was Mouth who held the secret that it had been Rachel that had released the school's time capsule, which in turn had released Jimmy's wrath. In the days and weeks that followed, he and Rachel had grown particularly close. He had even come to love her, hoping she felt the same way. But it wasn't to be. Once again he had been left humiliated and heartbroken. To cope with the pain, he had thrown himself into his media duties at the school. A lanky, talkative, animated sophomore had won the audition to be his co announcer. Gigi Silveri was her name and it had been a tumultuous pairing at best with her unorthodox commentating and focus on how hot the players' butts looked in their shorts as opposed to their on court stats. Some nights Mouth had secretly wondered how he would make it through the season with her and matters were only complicated further when Gigi gleefully, unexpectedly but matter of factly announced her crush on him.

It was all the headache he needed. The last thing he wanted to do was date Gigi. Why would he? She was cute. She was funny. She was nice. She was smart. They were starting to have a good time together as friends and even their working relationship had improved. Why on earth would he want someone like Gigi? Then it dawned on him and once the revelation was revealed, it made Mouth literally sick to his stomach. He was treating her the way he had often been treated by members of the other sex. There was nothing wrong with Gigi, in fact, there were plenty of things right with her. But one factor stood in the way…she wasn't Rachel. It wasn't fair and it wasn't right and luckily he had woken up in the nick of time. Their first date together had been wonderful. She had looked so pretty when he saw her. After that night, the two virtually had become inseparable. Next to Nathan and Haley, they were the school's cutest and most talked about couple. Mouth adored Gigi and it felt good to finally experience true love.

Walking down the hall, he couldn't help but grin as everyone smiled at him. He tried to conceal the vast bouquet behind his back but it was impossible as the flowers peaked out from the sides of his thin frame. Most girls were into roses but she adored orchids. So he had ordered a beautiful fresh arrangement of them and planned to surprise her at her locker. He'd do anything to see her smile and knowing she was happy was more than enough to make him happy.

"Guess who?" he snuck up behind her, placing a hand over her eyes.

"Hey Mouth", she turned around to face him.

"How is the most beautiful girl at school today?"

Gigi couldn't help but blush and giggle. Mouth, with all his sweet gestures and compliments always seemed to have that effect on her.

"I'm okay. What are hiding behind your back?"

"What are you talking about?" he feigned innocence. "Nothing is behind my back."

She placed her hands on her hips.

"Mouth…"

"Okay", he grinned, producing the flower bouquet and finally handing it to her. "What do you think?"

Her eyes widened.

"They…they're beautiful."

"Almost as beautiful as you are."

"White orchids. My favorite."

"I know."

"What's the occasion?"

He shrugged.

"Just because. There doesn't have to always be an occasion, Gigi. It shouldn't have to be an anniversary or birthday or something like that for you to get flowers. You're a great girlfriend and I love you very much. That should be enough, right?"

She looked in his eyes and saw heartfelt sincerity. Mouth truly was a wonderful guy.

"Mouth…"

"I had an idea after the game tonight. There's supposed to be an eclipse. I was thinking we could watch it at the River Court. The weather is supposed to be perfect and I know we'd have a great view."

"Mouth…"

"Or if you don't want to, it's fine. We could do something else."

Gigi nervously chewed on her lip. She was known for her candor and for speaking exactly what was on her mind at any given time. She had something to say but the words just wouldn't come out.

"Mouth, we have to talk."

"Okay…"

"There, there's something I have to tell you and I don't quite know how to say it."

He frowned at first but his expression quickly softened.

"Gigi, I think I know what this is about."

"You do?"

"Yeah and it's okay."

"It is?" she made a face.

"You bet. It's your first solo live interview with the players tonight. Look, I know it can be nerve racking but don't worry about it. You're gonna be fine, I promise. Just make sure everyone is decent before you go into the locker room", he joked.

"Mouth, it's not that", she sighed.

"Okay. Then what is it?"

"Mouth, I'm breaking up with you."

He laughed out loud. Gigi was always such a kidder.

"Yeah right. Now what's really on your mind?"

"I'm not joking. We need to break up. Now."

His face fell when he saw she wasn't smiling.

"You're serious…"

"As a heart attack."

"Gigi…why?" he swallowed hard.

"Its not you, it's me", she took a deep breath. "Yeah, I know that sounds totally lame and cliché but it's the truth. You're a great guy and a great boyfriend. I like being with you but it's getting to be too much."

"Too much?"

"Yeah. Take Nathan and Haley for example. They're another great couple. They're always together and they're so happy. They're even expecting a baby soon."

"Gigi, you don't have to worry about that. We, we haven't even got to second base yet."

"I know, Silly", she gave him a smile. "The thing is, sometimes it seems like you and I are as serious as Nathan and Haley. It's too much too soon. Maybe in a few years it would be cool but for now? I'm just 15. I want to go roller skating and I want to go to sleepovers and I want to hang out with my friends."

"You can do those things. Gigi, you do those things now."

"I know but it's not the same. I feel tied down. Look, you're a great guy and you have so much to give to a girl but that girl isn't me. Sorry. Just don't be mad."

Just like that. It was over. She had spoken her peace just as bluntly as she had when she had first had a crush on him.

"Gigi…"

Just then first bell rang.

"I've got to go. We can talk later, okay?"

Mouth struggled to find his words. He was stunned.

"Are, are you sure? I mean, have you thought about this? Is…is this really what you want?"

"I'm sure. You're a great guy, Mouth McFadden and I'll never forget you. Friends?"

He wanted to cry, to punch something. There went that damned dreaded "f" word again.

"Sure", he finally spoke softly. "Friends."

Gigi smiled and leaned over, kissing his cheek. In a few seconds she was gone again and he was left holding the flowers and wondering what the hell had just happened.

"Those for me?" laughed a voice from behind that playfully smacked him on the shoulder.

Mouth turned around and saw a familiar, friendly face.

"Fergie…"

"What's up with you, man? Everything alright? You look like you just lost your best friend."

He exhaled, tears clouding his vision as the two began the walk to homeroom. Stopping along the way, he was sure to trash the bouquet of orchids.

"I think I just did."