The next day, Garfield was rolling around in his bed wanting to go back to sleep, but unfortunately he had to go to school. He crawled out of bed and put on a dark green shirt with words that said 'Face it … you dig me' in light purple letters, and blue denim jeans. He walked to school, daydreaming as he went.

Rachel was already in front of the school and noticed him walking toward her. "Hey Gar did you do your homework done this time?" she asked as soon as he got close enough. Rachel was wearing a black jacket with the words 'Too cool to care' on the back in white letters, with a black shirt that had her favorite band, Evanescence, on it and dark blue denim jeans. Gar didn't answer. Rachel waved her hand in front of his face. "Hello anyone in there?" No response. "Hmm, maybe what's left of his brain checked out," she said with evident sarcasm. Gar snapped his head around to look at her and smirked at her comment.

"What'cha ya say Rae?" He asked. Rachel looked at him then repeated her question.

"I asked you if you did your homework this time."

"Heh, guess I forgot …again," He replied with a half smile on his face. His voice sounded distracted and distant. Rachel noticed.

"Hey, you ok?" she asked, a little worry lacing its way into her normal voice.

"I'm fine I was just thinking about …" He paused, noticing the look of awe on Rachel's face

"What?" He asked.

"You were thinking?" she asked.

"Yeah, so?What about it?" he asked. Rachel put her hand on his forehead.

"Do you have a fever or something?" she asked.

"I'm fine," he said chuckling a little at the comment. "So do you think you could help me?" he asked.

Rachel studied him for a second before responding, "I don't think I'm qualified to give you that kind of help." Gar was still smiling but noticed the sarcasm.

"I meant with my homework," he replied smugly. "Besides you didn't answer my question yesterday." Rachel nodded and handed him her notes, which he started to copy down. Soon the rest of the gang showed up in time to hear the bell ring. The day went by slowly, everyone sighed with relief when it was finally lunchtime, and the group took their seats at heir table.

Kori was wearing a purple strapless top with a light denim skirt.

Richard was in a red t-shirt and denim jeans, his hair was spiked up like usual.

Victor was wearing a blue and gray t-shirt that said 'Major League Football' on it and denim jeans that had a hole right above his knee. Everyone was silent until Rachel spoke up.

"So what were you 'thinking' about earlier Gar?" she asked curiously. Gar looked up from his trey.

"Oh I was thinking about where I should take Tara for our date," he told her. Kori spoke up.

"Maybe you should take her to the Garden of Olives." Gar, knowing she meant Olive Garden, thought about it for a second.

"No that wouldn't work. It's too expensive," he replied.

"Yeah, your right about that," said Victor.

"What about Steak and Shake, it's cheap and they have the best shakes in the city," offered Richard. Gar gave it some thought.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Thanks guys," he said.

"No problem Gar, anything to help you with a 'friend'." They started snickering with Victor's choice of words, even Rachel cracked a small smile as she rolled her eyes. "Hey where's Jenny and her crew, they usually come and torture us by now," the giant of a teen asked. Everyone started noticing that the wicked witch of the west was indeed missing in action. Not that any of them minded it.

"Good maybe now we can have a lunch that doesn't turn into a blown out grudge match," commented Rachel sarcastically.

***** The rest of the day went by and eventually was over. Gar was searched for Tara, and found her by the school gate waiting for him. "Hey Tara I was thinking, for our date, why don't I pick you up at seven and we can go to Steak and Shake?" Gar asked her with a slight sparkle in his eyes.

"That sounds great Gar. I haven't been there in a while so that sounds good to me," she replied in a soft voice. She was wearing small peace earrings, a green t-shirt that said 'Save the trees, get rid of homework', and light faded blue capris.

Gar smiled, "Ok well see ya then."

"Ok Gar, bye," she replied as she walked away. Rachel came up to Gar.

"So, I guess that means your not coming to Vic's tonight?" Rachel asked in her usual monotone.

"Yeah not tonight Rae. I've got plans," he said. Rachel nodded and started to walk toward Vic's.

""Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow then," she called over her shoulder.

**** Garfield picked Tara up at her house and they started to walk to Steak and Shake. Gar was wearing a blue button up shirt with a black jacket, and light blue faded jeans.

Tara was wearing a light blue blouse with a denim jean skirt. As they were walking Gar told her jokes that she actually laughed at. When they got to the restaurant they took the seat in the corner and started talking about television shows and their favorite music. The bell at the entrance rang and Garfield and Tara heard snickering. They both turned to see the devil herself and her posse.

"Well isn't this a not-so-pleasant surprise. It's the loser class clown and the new girl," Jenny stated in a mocking tone. Jenny had on dark shades that hid her glare, a black blouse, and blue skinny jeans.

"Yeah Jen, it seems their on a date," remarked Cami who had on a white skirt, and a black and white strapless top. Kitten was wearing a pink mini-dress that had pink rhinestones on it.

"What do you want Jenny?" Garfield asked impatiently. Tara was staring at Jenny with fury in her eyes. Apparently she had already had a run in with her before.

"What do you think? We were hungry and decided to eat here and we just happen to run into you losers. Man and I thought Kori was dumb," Kitten replied. While this conversation was being held, Kyle had snuck away and was now sitting in the opposite corner of the restaurant. He was wearing a dark blue muscle shirt, black cargo pants that had a silver chain hanging from his waist.

"Man I'm smarter than all three of these idiots," he thought. "If Kitten wasn't my cousin I'd be out of here. Besides its not like I have any other group to hang out with, but maybe…nah. She probably wouldn't want me in her group anyway. But hey, a guy can dream."

Jenny was about to leave when she got an idea. "Hey Gar, how's Rachel taking this? She isn't jealous is she?" Now Gar was really confused.

"Jealous? Jealous of what?" Jenny gave a smirk to her friends.

"Boys. Theiy're so clueless. Figure it out yourself genius." And with that Jenny left with the other two girls in tow. Kyle had noticed their departure and reluctantly followed. Gar stared after them, wondering what the heck they were talking about. Rachel didnt like him. He didnt even think there was a guy she did like in that way.

**** Gar and Tara ate their meals, paid, and started walking to Tara's house. When they arrived Tara said, "Well that was an eventful first date, wasn't it?" Gar turned to her.

"Yeah, but despite the interruption I had a great time tonight."

Tara smiled. "Yeah me too. So I'll see you tomorrow?" Before Gar could reply Tara leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight," she said as she walked toward her door and went inside. Gar rubbed his cheek, it was hot and beet red.

"Goodnight," he said dreamily as he walked down the street.