The Zen Garden

"So much has happened. What is wrong with me? Why am I always so fixated on the "bad boys? Why can't I separate fantasy and reality."

Ever since last year, Alli had promised herself no more boys like Johnny. Yet there she was, upset over Drew. She realized it was just a crush because she didn't miss him or his company. If anything she missed Dave's company.

"Dave"

The instant name put a smile on her face. He was nice, funny, easy to talk to, and a good dancer. He was so different than Drew.

Drew was just a callous person. Hooking up with Bianca behind her back and blackmailing Riley was awful. How could she like a person like that.

"You have got to stop beating yourself up over them, Bhandari," Dave said sitting by her side.

"I cant help it Dave. I tried so hard and put so much effort into both relationships. I just wanted to be liked and cared for so much. It just hit me that I liked the thrill of being in a relationship. It didn't matter who I got the attention from. I just wanted attention, be it positive or negative."

Dave was listening attentively to Alli. He couldn't help but notice how her hair cascaded around her flawless face. She was beautiful. He only wished he knew how to make her feel better.

"I understand how you feel. It's like how I felt with Jenna. I just spotted out the "classic hot blonde" and got in a relationship because I wanted a relationship rather than wanting a relationship with her. I wanted to be able to say that someone liked me. Its like winning a trophy and you don't know why you won it."

As Dave was talking, Alli was listening and observing. Dave was mature and caring. It was amazing how much they had in common. He understood what she was going through. She also couldn't help but notice his big brown eyes and caramel skin. Memories of the prom started to flash in her mind. That was the best day ever.

"Alli are you ok."

"Yeah I was just thinking about the prom."

Dave couldn't help but laugh. He still thought about that night too.

Ring , Ring

"Dave, thanks for being a good friend to me. I wish I knew how to repay you."

"Don't worry about it." Dave couldn't help but smile. "Let's go to class."

Alli noticed she was smiling too. What was it about this guy that always made her smile? Being around him always made her day brighter. Dave made her feel like she actually had someone who could be her support.

Out of nowhere Alli hugged him and clung onto him for dear life.

"Its alright, Im always here for you. Anytime you need someone," Dave said rubbing her back tenderly. With that they headed off to class.

"Two more classes how am I going to survive." She had nothing against Mrs. Kwan but "Julis Caesar" didn't catch her interest.

"Alli can you give us your interpretation on this epic." Mrs. Kwan and the whole class were looking at her. She couldn't dodge the question.

"I think Julius Ceasar is about betrayl, deception, jealousy and power. He was so powerful that he was a danger to himself and others. This power made his friends envy and marvel him at the same time. Their envy grew into jealousy and rage and death was the product."

"Very good, Ms. Bhandari."

"I guess today isn't so bad. I wonder what Dave is doing?"

"Mrs. Oh, may I please go to the bathroom."

"Sure Dave. Just come back."

"I will I promise." He said with a smirk on his face. Dave and Mrs. Oh had a good teacher/student relationship. She couldn't complain because he had an "A" in the class and always finished his assignments on time.

As he opened the door to the bathroom, he heard Adam's terrified voice. "Fitz leave me alone."

"Not a chance he-she."

"Leave Adam alone," he said with determination. His voice was laced with rage and venom. "Don't think because I'm short, I won't lay you out here. Im asking you nicely back off. Let her alone."

"Whatever I got better things to things to do anyway. Later losers." Adam was so relieved as he left.