After the short ten minute ride from the school we arrive to the café. It was a nice little café nothing too fancy. It was average sized and quite clean. I had been here a few times before with Tara and David. Sometimes to work on homework and other times just to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. I liked the vibe here, it's so calming. So nice. After walking inside Tara and I headed to a table by the window while David went to get us a little treat. He knew what we liked.

We had met David at the beginning of our sophomore year. He was a year older than us but still in the same grade as we were. Not because he was stupid or anything it's just he made a lot of stupid mistakes his freshmen year. Skipping class every other day to screw some girl or go on a smoke and drive with the boys. By the end of the year he had missed too much to even try and catch up. So he had to repeat a year, but it seemed to be for the better. He turned his attitude around and started going to class at least four days out of the week. Yeah he still had his occasional screw of the week but at least there was progress. When he met Tara and I we had bonded almost instantly. His abrasive nature perfectly matched with Tara's witty one and my youthful one. The three of us made a pretty good team. I'm truly thankful for friends like them.

"You ok there Spence?" Tara asked pulling me away from my thoughts.

"Yeah. Just thinking about the three of us. How much I love you guys." The last statement as more of a tease but still true.

"Yeah", Tara chuckled, "I'm happy I have you guys too."

Tara looked as though she was about to say something else when she stopped like she had just seen a ghost. I was about to ask what was wrong until I turned around and saw for myself. Four noble knights had just returned from battle and were gleaming with glory. Ok maybe that's a bit of a reach but these four were pretty much royalty at our little high school. Aaron Hotchner was our schools basketball star. Very typical boy next door with a nice family and a pretty sweet life. Then there was Luke Alvez our resident Latin heartthrob. He's also the star soccer player and much like David was a little playboy. Next to him was baseball star Matthew Simmons. He was the quieter one of the four but just as charming no less. Finally there was the football quarterback Derek Morgan. I'm going to be perfectly honest here and say that sometimes when I'm alone with my thoughts I think of Derek. Don't judge me I can't help myself. I hate that I'm some stereotypical gay boy pawning over some straight jock, but hey, that's life sometimes.

It was very interesting seeing the four of them together honestly. Even though they were from different "hoods", as I've heard been said before, they get along smashingly. It was like seeing four warriors from different tribes who are all still best friends. It's pretty admirable I think. I must've not realized I was thinking this and still in my aroused gaze but Derek waving at me with a friendly smile definitely caught my attention.

"Oh my god. I was staring. Why didn't you tell me I was staring?" I asked Tara in a hushed tone. However she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts about a certain biracial baseball captain. We knew about each other's crushes so I could understand her reaction right now.

"Tara…" I say in a sing-song like voice.

"Mmhmm" she practically sighed

"T, really?"

"Sorry I don't know what came over me" she quickly snapped back to reality.

"I think I might know"

"Oh hush you. Besides I caught Derek's little wave" she said with a playful smirk. I went into a deep shade of red and was about to say something when David then came to the table with a tray of some delicious looking treats.

"One hot chamomile tea" he handed to Tara, "one chocolate chip chocolate muffin" he gave to me "and this one's for Davy" he said dramatically as he sat down with his cheese danish.

I was happy Dave's flair for the dramatics was enough to take my mind of what just happened and internally calm myself down. I was sure Tara felt the same.

"I cannot stand danishes. Never could." Tara said as she slowly sipped her tea.

"Tara! How could you?!" David boomed making a dramatic scene in what was supposed to be the secluded part of the café.

"Do you really have to the most right now?" I asked a little embarrassed by the attention Dave was bringing to our table.

"I most certainly do. She's disrespected the most delicious of all that is delicious!"

By this time everyone in the café was staring at table looking at Dave. Whether they were laughing with him or at him was hard to tell. I spotted Derek and hi crew's table. They seemed to be enjoying the show. Even Aaron who was usually more serious. I guess Dave had that effect.

"Oh forgive me your greatness! I feel so ashamed at my actions!" Tara yelled indulging Dave's foolishness.

"Don't encourage him, T." But it was too late because at this point they had started an entire improv scene out the situation. This was typical for us and I'd usually be the one to join Dave. I guess having my crush here changed that and I guess the same can go for Tara because she's usually the level-headed one in our group.

After a few more minutes the little spectacle came to a finish and everyone went back to their own business.

"I expect this from Dave but T I'm shocked to say the least." I started.

"Me too to be honest. I don't know what came over me." She said looking embarrassed a little.

"Well no use in crying over spoiled milk", Dave said, "you two ready to head back?"

"Yeah let's go." Tara said grabbing her tea.

I looked back at Derek's table one more time and our eyes lock. Only for a short moment but they lock. Before I could let my face turn completely red I hurried out of the café and into Dave's car. Once we were all inside we headed back to the school. Like before I looked out the window and took in the view. What an interesting day this has started out to be.