"Are you going to tell me where you have been going for the past week or do I need to answer for you?" A deep voice asked as soon as I reached my door handle. I stiffened.

Caught.

I sighed and turned. "I was just hanging out." I said breezily.

Bruce scowled at me, telling me that he knows I am not telling the whole truth.

"Yes. However you have not told me where you have been hanging out."

I mentally rolled my eyes. "I'm sure you already know."

Bruce took a step closer, his blue eyes flashed with annoyance. "I want to hear it from you."

I looked away.

"'Come to my office." Bruce said rather than offered. He began to walk away. I had no choice but to follow him.

Bruce opened his office's big red oak doors before going to sit behind his desk. I stood behind the chair that was in front of the desk.

"Now, are you going to tell me why you have been going to the gym? We already have everything you could possibly need in any given situation."

"I know..." I murmured.

I didn't want him to find out about Alisha yet. At least not until we were friends. If we ever got to be friends that is.

"Then why? Explain this to me." Bruce said, folding his hands on his desk.

I swallowed hard. "Well it was just a different environment."

Bruce's lips twitched. Was that to almost a smile or a sign of frustration?

"Right." Bruce mused.

I blinked. "It is. I mean I always go there to clear my head."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

I scowled. What the hell does that mean? Is he mocking me?

"Yes, really."

He chuckled, "It is not because of a girl?"

I nearly choked on my own spit. "What?!" I said, my voice slightly rising in surprise.

Bruce smiled knowingly. "You don't have to lie to me, Dick. It's fine to have a crush."

My jaw dropped. "Oh no! NO WAY! It is NOT like that!" I said, waving my hands in front of me.

"Then why have you gone there so much?" Bruce asked, his eyes filled with mirth.

"Look." I said. "Even if there was a girl, I would not go to visit her all the darn time. I have training to do!"

"She must be special." Bruce said, leaning casually against his chair.

I put a hand through my hair in frustration. "There is no girl!"

"You just said it was not like that when I said you had a crush. So, yes, there is."

I nearly groaned out loud. "Well it is not like that-"

"Then what is it like, Dick?" Bruce asked.

I waved my hands above my head. "I do not know! I just met her okay! There! Happy?!"

Bruce grinned. There were rare times when he did that. It almost made me smile to, but honestly he was smiling because he was enjoying this. I could tease him about all of the women he has been with but noooooo.

"Quite." Bruce said, rising. He walked over to me and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Next time, just tell me when you need a breather. I'll understand. Also, good luck with your girlfriend."

I gawked at his retreating back. "She is NOT my girlfriend!" I yelled after him.

I heard him lightly laugh before he closed his bedroom door behind him.

I said on the large arm chair and groaned, putting my face in my hands. "Oh god WHY!?"

"Would you like a warm towel?" I heard Alfred ask.

I groaned again before blindly grabbed the towel from his tray. "Thanks." I muttered.

"Anytime, Richard." Alfred said. "Now, do you need anything else before I retire to my room, sir?"

I breathed into the towel. It felt nice against my skin. I felt calmer. And less embarrassed.

"No thank you, Alfred. Have a good night."

"Good night, sir." He said before I heard his footsteps slowly leave the room.

I stayed there for a little bit longer before I got up and went back to my room. I put the now cold towel into the laundry shoot and took a quick shower. I got out and wrapped a towel around my waist. I looked in the mirror.

I sighed and brushed my shaggy hair. I wondered if I should get a hair cut or just leave it. I playfully flexed my muscles in the mirror, smirking.

"Looking good." I said with pride.

I dried myself off before putting on a pair of black boxers and a baggy t shirt. I threw myself onto my plush bed, sighing happily at the feeling. I stared up at the ceiling. Hopefully she would be in a good mood tomorrow. Maybe then we could talk rather than try to kill each other this time.

Should I arrived after her rather than before? Maybe that'll help. Hopefully.

I turned on my side, curling up into a ball before closing my eyes and beginning to drift into a dreamless sleep.

ALISHA'S POV

Grandpa and I stayed at the gym for a little bit longer. It was nearing 8 o'clock by now. We were now outside of the gym after I had shown him a routine I had created. I had managed to do everything perfectly. After all I had been practicing for months. We looked up at the stars together, pointing out a few constellations. I looked at my watch and smiled at him.

"It's time to go home, Turnip." I said.

Grandpa smiled back and took my hand. "Alright, Green Bean. Take me home."

I got behind him and on the way home we talked the whole way. Luckily it was not that far of a walk. We finally reached the front door of the condo and were welcomed with the smell of food. Grandpa grinned and whooped. "Yes! The best food in town!" He said as I wheeled him to his place at the table.

My mother waved a hand, laughing. "Oh hush, Donor. I wish it was the best."

"To me it is!" He said, staring at the food longingly. I chuckled as I helped my mom bringing out the dishes.

"Hey, here is Julius?" My grandpa asked curiously.

"Oh he is getting your presents out." My mom said from the kitchen. I brought out the crescent rolls with butter and jam when I saw my Dad come into the dining room with a few small bag.

REGULAR POV

"Ready for my present, Dad?" Julius Dashwood asked, smiling as his father drooled over his wife's cooking.

"Sure, Ginger hand it over!"

Julius groaned as his wife and daughter giggled at the nickname. His father loved to remind him that he was the red sheep of the family. Not black sheep because everyone else had black hair or even brown hair. He was the only one who had fiery red hair and green eyes. He was the only one who looked Irish/Scottish in the family.

"Don't get so butt hurt because you're adopted." Alisha's grandpa said teasingly as he took the present from his son's hands.

Julius rolled his eyes and sat down at the table as Alisha and her mother set the rest of the food down. "I am not adopted!" He said.

"Whatever makes you feel better, son." Donor said with a cat like grin.

"You know what give me my present back." Julius said sourly, getting up to grab the bag back.

"AH AH!" Donor sang playfully, holding the bag away from his son's reach.

"I am the birthday boy! You gave me the present fair and square!"

"Boys! Calm down and eat your dinner!" Flora, Alisha's mother said, trying to look stern.

Alisha sat down beside her Grandpa as they settled down. Her grandfather opened the bag and beamed when he saw the golden and obsidian watch.

"It is magnificent!" He said, looking at his son with gratitude and affection. "You picked a good one. Just what I needed as well!"

Julius smiled, knowing that his father's leather band watch was starting to thin out and tear from having it for so long. "Happy Birthday, Dad."

They shared a look before grandpa took off his old watch and put on the new golden and obsidian watch on his wrist. It fit perfectly at the first clasp.

"Fits like a glove." He said with a grin. However Alisha saw that it looked forced.

Did he not like it? He did seem to love it. But then again, why do his eyes look so sad? As if he doesn't deserve it.

Alisha shook her head at that. When she looked at him again, he was back to joyfully laughing when her dad was telling them a story about what happened at work.

She quickly pushed those thoughts aside, listening to the story and laughing in all the right places.

Soon it was time for bed.

Everyone had showered and was telling each other good night. Alisha tied up her now wet hair into a pony tail before going to her Grandpa's door and softly knocking. He opened up the door and smiled.

"Hey, Green Bean." He said, opening up his arms. Alisha smiled and leaned down to give him a bear hug.

"Good night, Turnip. Happy Birthday."

"Thanks, sweet heart. You all contributed to make this into a very special birthday."

He kissed her temple and rubbed her back before pulling away. "Go on to bed. Sweet dreams."

She smiled and waved before closing the door behind her. She went into her room after kissing her parents good night and got under the covers. She grabbed her teddy bear given to her from her grandma before she passed, gently kissing it.

"I hope you were at the party, Grandma. Grandpa misses you." She said to no one in particular.

She clutched onto her teddy bear tighter before she drifted into slumber.

THE NEXT DAY

Alisha had just finished breakfast when the home phone rang. She got up and picked it up without looking at the number.

"Hello?"

"GET DRESSED WE ARE HANGING OUT TODAY!" Eve screamed into the phone, making Alisha flinch.

"Do you really need to do that every time you call me?" Alisha grumbled.

"Yes. Now get your lazy butt moving! I am on my way over there. Also, wear something cute."

Alisha blinked. "Wait why-"

"Just do as I say or I will choose your outfit. TOODLES~!" Eve sang before hanging up before Alisha could protest.

Her mother must have heard their phone conversation because she called from the kitchen,

"If that was Eve calling, you can go."

Alisha looked at her mother. "Are you sure? You don't need help with anything?"

Her mother shook her head with a smile. "Nope. Go get ready for your girl time."

Alisha lightly smiled and walked to her room. She put on shorts and a graphic T shirt with tennis shoes. She then looked in the mirror and brushed her hair.

"Well." she said. "That is going to be as cute as I can get."

She was about to leave, but then sighed. She knew Eve would want her to put on make up. Alisha went back and quickly put on some pink lip gloss. Right then she heard the front door being banged on.

Alisha walked out of her bedroom and opened up the door, greeting Eve with a blank expression.

"Seriously? Why do you have to be so loud?"

Eve grinned cheekily and pulled Alisha into a hug. Alisha rolled her eyes, sighing. "Are you done?"

"Hug me back already! I know you have a heart in there somewhere!" Eve said, hugging her tighter.

Alisha rolled her eyes, but wrapped her arms around her friend.

"Better?" She asked.

"Much, much better. I feel loved!" Eve said, playfully tugging on Alisha's hair.

They let go of each other. "So.. Where are we going?" Alisha asked.

Eve grinned. "To the park!"

Alisha smiled, liking that idea. She loved going to the park. It was always very calming. The park even had a duck pond, which made it even more fun for the kids. When Alisha was younger she used to always bring a few pieces of bread to feed the ducks and their ducklings.

"Alright, lets go." Alisha said, walking out the door before yelling to her parents,

"I'M LEAVING WITH EVE."

"Alright. Be safe! Be back before dark!" Her father called back.

"Bye Mr. and !" Eve said with a wave before closing the door behind her.

Eve instantly put her arm though Alisha's. "Okay so I brought the drugs-"

"EVE!" Alisha squealed in shock, making Eve cackle loudly.

"Oh your face was hilarious! God, for someone who does not react much you sure do have amazing reactions-"

Alisha gave her a look. "Not funny."

Eve flashed a smile before pulling Alisha closer. "Too bad. You're stuck with me for eternity."

"Great." Alisha said dryly.

"Hey! I'll have you know that it is a privilege to be my friend!"

"More like torture."

"How DARE-"

"YES I DARE!" Alisha said, trying to hide her smile.

"I SEE YOU SMILING, JERK!" Eve said, pouting.

They continued to bicker the entire way there. Within a few minutes they were near the park.

"Hey look I see the park." Alisha said, pointing. They soon made it under the trees for shade.

"Seriously though I mean I kept telling her that her choice of books were stupid and that there were no hot werewolves in them-

"Hey, look over there!"

Eve shot her a look.

"If this is a tactic to get me to shut up-"

"LOOK A HOT GUY!" Alisha exclaimed, gasping dramatically.

Eve instantly let go of Alisha and looked around, instantly fixing her hair. "WHERE?! WHERE!?"

"Over there on the track!" Alisha said, blindly pointing.

Eve looks around and seemed to have spotted her target. "Oh my GOD. He is gorgeous! Sweet baby blue eyes! Yum!"

Alisha rolled her eyes and walked toward the duck pond. She pulled out a piece of bread that she had grabbed before she left. She was planning on saving it to eat later after breakfast, but was happy that she didn't. She quickly broke it in pieces and began to feed the ducks, softly smiling as some quacked and came toward her.

"ALISHA!" Eve exclaimed and came towards her.

"What?" She said, keeping her eyes on the ducks.

"The hot guy is coming this way! He may even take his shirt off!" Eve squealed. Alisha sighed.

"I have no interest in that."

"Omg he is looking this way!" Eve said, shaking Alisha's arm.

Alisha sighed and turned to look at the boy to shut her best friend up. However she did not expect it to be that annoying boy.

They met eyes, both of them gawking. He slowed into a walk. She glared at him, silently telling him to keep running.

"OH MY GOSH ISN'T HE SO CUTE?! HE IS LOOKING AT US OH MY GOD."

Alisha clenched her jaw, wanting to punch him in the face again as he stopped walking.

He smirked and began to walk toward them. Alisha instantly stood up and grabbed Eve's hand, trying to drag her away.

"What are you doing!? A hot guy is walking toward us!"

Alisha shot her friend a nasty glare. "He is not good looking at ALL. He is the most annoying person in the world."

Eve blinked, "Wait. You KNOW him?!"

"Yes, she does." A velvety voice said.

Alisha whirled around and snapped, "Are you now stalking me?"

Richard chuckled and leaned against a near by tree. "You wish."

"Why would I wish for such a thing? You disgust me." Alisha hissed.

"I thought we were starting to get along." He said, faking a pout.

She scoffed. "As if I would ever-"

Eve watched the exchange with a smirk on her lips.

"Do you want to hang out with us today?" Eve offered, cutting off Alisha's retort.

Alisha gawked at her friend. "WHAT THE HELL, EVE?!"

Richard looked at her friend, who seemed to be drinking him in. He puffed his chest, enjoying the attention.

Eve looked at her friend. "Oh come on. Maybe he isn't as bad as he seems!"

"You only want to talk to him because you think he is good looking." Alisha said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Partly yes, but hey since you know him and actually look at him you should get to know him. I mean you never look at guys. You act like there are no males on earth except for your family members." Eve said, grinning.

Richard smirked. "Yeah. I'm not that bad. Plus I'm good looking so what? That isn't a crime."

Alisha mockingly laughed. "No, it is a crime for you to be breathing the same air as me."

Richard gawked. OWWW. He thought.

"Children, Children! Calm down and just get along!" Eve said, shocked at how Alisha seemed to dislike the boy.

Alisha looked at Eve and took a deep breath to calm herself. "Eve, this abomination-"

"Whoa using big words now?"

"WILL YOU SHUT UP FOR LIKE 10 SECONDS?!" Alisha yelled, catching the attention of the people near by.

Her face flushed pink in embarrassment, ducking her head.

"Nothing to see here, people!" Richard said, giving everyone a sweet and charming smile.

Eve put an arm around Alisha. "See, Alisha? He isn't so bad."

"You just met him." Alisha pointed out. "You don't know how he is."

"Well I am hoping one of you will soon tell me how you guys have met without me asking you." Eve said, raising an eyebrow.

Richard grinned, finally hearing the girl's name. "Well, ALISHA and I met earlier this week at her grandpa's gym. I went in there, thinking I was going to be alone-"

"Excuse you but you entered into private property."

He gave her an exasperated look, "Can I finish?"

Alisha silently snarled at him, but she let him continue. "So then I saw her practicing. I scared her by accident and so ever since then every time I go over there we bicker."

"Because you are not welcome there. How do you not understand that!?" Alisha exclaimed.

He sent her a playful wink. "Because I can't keep myself away from you."

Alisha snorted as Eve cooed, "HOW CUTE!"

Richard looked at her friend and gave her a crooked smile. "At least you are nice to me."

Eve beamed and played with her necklace, faking shyness. "Well, any of Alisha's friends are friends of mine."

"He is not my FRIEND." Alisha growled.

Richard looked at her and sighed. "Come on. Give me a chance, will ya? I am not that bad. Really."

This time he seemed to mean what he said.

"How the hell do I know that you are sincere?" she asked, pursing her lips.

He smiled, this time a real smile. "I'll prove it to you. I won't try to piss you off on purpose anymore."

"ON PURPOSE?!" Alisha shrieked. "YOU DID ALL OF THAT ON PURPOSE?!"

Eve took her friend's elbow. "Alisha, everyone is looking at us again."

Alisha took a deep breath, hating of how she was causing a scene. But SERIOUSLY?! He was being annoying on PURPOSE?! It looked so effortless! However she was frustrated that she did not see that coming. He just wanted a reaction from her. And hell did she give him a reaction for everything he ever said. She rubbed her temples, trying to calm herself.

Besides, maybe befriending him can't be so bad. Right? What has she got to lose? Plus, if he tried anything funny she could just punch him again.

That was fun. She thought with amusement. She looked at him. She just realized that he was a sweaty mess. How Eve found him attractive, she had no idea.

"So..." He said slowly. He tentatively held out a hand. "Truce?"

Alisha bit her lip. A part of her wanted to slap his hand away. But a part of her wanted to have more friends. She was never good at making friends. She was either too bitter or they just didn't understand her. Or they were bigoted. She pushed her pride aside and slipped her hand into his.

His hand fit perfectly with hers. It was nice and warm, surprisingly not sweaty. They both gave a firm shake.

"Truce." She said, giving him a relieved smile. He smiled back, slowly pulling his hand away from hers.

"Great. My name is formerly Richard." He said.

She smirked, "I'll call you Dick whenever you piss me off. Just a heads up."

He chuckled and nodded, "Alright. That is good to know."

He looked at Eve. "Thanks for helping us not hate each other anymore."

Eve winked. "Hey if she doesn't hate you, I get to see you more often."

Richard blinked in surprise at her bluntness. Although, he thought smugly, Who could blame her?

He heard a certain honk as a car pulled up in the parking lot. Richard looked at them. "Sorry ladies, I have to go."

Alisha nodded, "See ya."

"I'll see you tonight, okay?" He said.

All he earned was a shrug, which he took as a good sign before waving at her friend, jogging to the car. Just as he was out of ear shot, Eve squealed. "OH MY GOD HE ASKED YOU OUT ON A DATE!"

Alisha groaned and face-palmed.

After over 30 minutes of endless ramblings about the "date" Richard had planned for Alisha tonight, Eve gave up.

They laid on the grass under the trees, looking up at the sky and saying what the clouds looked like.

"You know, this makes me wonder if you will ever give any guy a chance in high school."

Alisha grinned, lazily putting her hands behind her head. "Maybe. He would need to sweep me off my feet."

Eve snorted. "He would have to be a god."

Alisha turned toward her, sighing. "No. It is just... I think I'm too young for boyfriends. I mean it takes a lot to be in a relationship. You always have to be aware of each other's emotions, go on dates, you have to keep them interested, and don't get me started on affection."

Eve giggled. "You know." She said. "That almost sounds like a friendship. Except with more affection."

"Maybe." Alisha admitted. "But I am happy with just you. I don't need a guy to make me happy."

"You can now add Richard to that list." Eve sang.

Alisha sighed. "We shall see about that. If me and him can have a decent conversation tonight, then sure."

"Maybe he is that guy that'll make you happy." Eve said, shrugging.

Alisha shot her a look. "Him and I will never be a couple."

Eve rolled her eyes. "Well good. Because I want him to be my new boyfriend~" She said playfully

Alisha laughed and shook her head. "I think you scared him actually."

Eve gasped dramatically and slapped her arm. "No I did not! He liked the attention!"

Alisha thought about it. She saw of how he puffed out his chest and would throw flirty smiles Eve's way. She scoffed. Of course he did.

"Well, then I hope you woo him and you guys live happily ever after." Alisha said, waving her arms for effect.

Eve giggled and flipped her hair. "He will be my knight and shining armor."

Alisha smirked at that. "I think he will likely be more like a damsel with how big his head is. He might fall into a well."

Eve chuckled and shook her head, sighing happily. "You know I'm joking right? After all, you met him first so it's against the girl code to go after him."

Alisha looked at her friend weirdly. "Seriously? The girl code?"

Eve smiled, "Yeah. Don't you know it?"

Alisha snorted, "There is no girl code. It is all fake."

Eve turned over and looked at Alisha in the eye. "So then it would be okay if I slept with one of your future Exs?"

Alisha's eyes widened. "What?! No!"

Eve raised an eyebrow. "And would it be okay if I flirted with the guy you liked?"

Alisha furrowed her eyebrows. "Of course not. You wouldn't be a good friend."

"Exactly my point." Eve said with a British accent. "The girl code."

Alisha nodded in understanding. "Well, is it written?"

Eve laughed loudly. "Oh hell it is. It doesn't need to be written down but yeah is it. Although some of the rules vary with each book."

Alisha was now beyond confused. "But isn't the girl code something EVERY girl knows?"

Eve gave her a pointed look. "Well not EVERY girl."

Alisha playfully shoved Eve's shoulder and closed her eyes. She let the sounds of the park fade away and was happy to feel the sun on her face. She felt like she was becoming too pale.

They laid there for a few minutes, drinking in their surroundings. However, Eve had always hated silence.

"So I was thinking we should go summer shopping when school is out." She blurted.

Alisha groaned. She absolutely loathed shopping. Especially with Eve. Eve wanted to go into every store and try practically everything on. Alisha was more of a 'I'll get what I want and lets go' kind of girl.

"Oh come on! It won't be that bad! I promise I won't go into Hot Topical!"

Alisha opened one eye to look at her friend incredulously. "It's Hot TOPIC."

Eve waved her hand. "Potato, PoTAto. So what?"

Alisha's lips twitched into a small smile of amusement. "Well that is one of the few stores that I like."

Eve gawked. "What?! But-But-"

"I like the color black and I love Supernatural. Leave me be." Alisha huffed.

"Omg the show with the hot brothers?!"

"Don't forget Castiel. He has beautiful blue eyes." Alisha said, grinning.

Eve giggled hysterically. Alisha looked at her with wide eyes. "What?!"

"You like blue eyes?" Eve asked, covering her mouth to hide her giggles.

Alisha blinked, not getting why her friend was acting like a mad woman.

"Uhh yeah. Why?" Alisha asked slowly.

Eve's eyes were un-naturally bright.

"So then do you find Richard's eyes dreamy?"

Alisha gawked. "Oh HELL NO-"

"Oh come ON you have got to find ONE thing that you find attractive."

Alisha facepalmed, "Why do you keep bringing him up?! I thought we were over this!"

"Oh gurl we are never over this. I am just waiting for you two to get together."

A dry laugh escaped her. "Yeah no. Never going to happen. EVER. Get that through your thick skull."

Eve shrugged. "Can't blame me for trying."

Alisha got up. "Let's go back to my house. I'm getting hungry for lunch."

Eve rolled her eyes, seeing through her best friend. She would keep quiet... for now.

She got up as well and brushed off the grass. "Can you ask your mom to make her famous burgers?"

Alisha beamed, "Definitely."

They hooked their arms and walked back to Alisha's condo.

As the day soon began to end, she suddenly felt nervous going to the gym tonight.