Hey guys! Thanks for reading! I realize this is getting kind of long and I'm not even halfway through the story... whoops. I guess that's what I get for basing this off a full-length novel. But if I didn't, I probably would never find the motivation to finish it. Anyway sorry for rambling. Here's chapter 10! Enjoy!

**Cam**

I don't know what had changed in Claire, but whatever it was, I was in no position to protest it. I offered her a piggyback up the mountain, and when she declined I thought for sure that she hated me.

But just a few minutes later she agreed to go on the Merry-go-round with me, and my heart soared. We had a grand old time, whizzing around on swings and up and down rollercoasters. She had a genuine smile on her face the whole afternoon, instead of the forcedly polite one I'd received the last few days.

I couldn't be sure, but I got the feeling she was truly letting loose and enjoying my company, instead of just putting up with me to be polite. I loved this side of her, laughing and carefree, not worrying about anything or anyone and just being herself. It was almost like nothing had happened between us at all and we were getting a fresh start, which was exactly what I needed.

My spirits were dampened a bit as we went to join the rest of the group. I could feel her pulling away again, putting up walls to keep me out. Why was she trying so hard to keep distance between us? It wasn't benefitting anyone, especially not herself.

She and Derrick shared a long hug, and it took every bit of my rational brain to remind myself that they were just friends. That she was, in fact, helping him to get another girl. I gritted my teeth and chanted don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. Don't be jealous. In my head. When they pulled away, grins of pure happiness on both of their faces, I was confused and a little hurt. Don't be jealous…

"Hey!" Massie's voice startled me from my inner turmoil. "Wanna board the bus?" I didn't really, no, not with her, but I just shrugged my shoulders. After stealing a quick longing glance at Claire, I let Massie pull me aboard.

"How was your afternoon with Derrick?" I asked politely, and she grinned. I guess she was happy I was finally initiating some of the conversation.

"Oh, it was great," she gushed happily, "he's a cool guy. I can see why you're friends with him." She looked up at me apologetically. "Sorry I ran off, it's just like, he carried me up the hill so I thought I should hang out with him, and I couldn't find you at first, but then I mean I had fun getting to know Derrick better. Did you have a nice afternoon too?"

At this point, everyone had started getting on the bus as well. "Yea, definitely," I replied, smiling as I remembered Claire's joyous laugh, her sparkly eyes, and… I snapped out of it quickly to find Massie looking up at me expectantly. "Yea. I actually hung out with Claire a bit, which was nice. I hadn't really talked to her before," I white-lied, and Massie's eyes widened.

"You hadn't? Oh, I'm sorry! I've been so into getting to know you, I suppose I've wanted you all to myself," she gave a flirty grin. "But I guess also Claire and Derrick have been together so much too. You know, I agreed to walk around the village with Derrick when we get off the bus, and assumed you and Claire would join us and we'd all just get to know each other more than we have. But maybe you and Claire should get a chance to talk, too. I mean, she's the greatest person ever. Definitely someone to get to know. We could meet up later, at the flamenco show."

My smile widened as she said this. Here was my chance—Massie approved, no less—to get to know Claire better. I liked that Massie held such a high standard of her. It was like, Massie thought of herself as perfect in so many ways, and yet she thought of Claire as something special. Which meant it must be true.

We spent the rest of the ride in friendly small talk, and my anticipation grew. I said all the right things in my conversation with Massie, but my mind kept drifting to all the ways I could use this opportunity to make up lost ground. I could take Claire out to a romantic dinner, or maybe just take her to a nice spot where we could talk and watch the stars come out and get back to how we were that first night before everything happened…

Finally we got off the bus and Massie ran over to where Derrick and Claire were. I stood off to the side as she whispered something to Claire, who widened her eyes. Then Massie linked arms with Derrick and they turned to walk around to tour the village. Derrick shot Claire a smile over his shoulder, and she offered a small wave before they disappeared into the crowds.

Claire then turned and slowly walked over to me. Her eyes were nervous, and it frustrated me that she didn't feel like she could be as open with me as she was that afternoon.

"So…" she began hesitantly, "I guess I'm supposed to spend the evening with you." That should have dampened my mood a bit, but I don't think anything could have at this point.

"Well don't look so dejected about it," I playfully nudged her, trying to lighten the mood. "Welcome to Pablo Espanyol!" At this, I got a little smile out of her.

"So where to first?" she asked, looking around. The old village was a lifesized model of what a Spanish village would have looked like, with traditional architectural styles. It had been transformed into a tourist spot, with shops and cafes lining the streets. The buildings looked old but friendly, and the insides seemed bright with activity.

"Are you hungry?" I answered her question with another, trying to gauge the situation.

"Eh," she replied, shrugging. I realized in that moment that I saw so much of myself in her; avoiding questions with shrugs and noncommittal answers were my specialty around people I didn't particularly want to be talking to. But this afternoon had proved that she didn't truly hate me, deep down, and I was determined to bring out that fun side of her that would admit—at least to herself—that she still liked me.

We walked around town together, chatting casually and people watching. We wandered down narrow alleys and under old stone arches. I cracked a few jokes to which she responded positively, her perfect laugh ringing out clearly.

We slipped into a few craft shops, and Claire purchased a beautiful beaded bracelet. I offered to pay for it, but she just sent me a confused and borderline hurt look before quickly handing the cashier her money.

When we stumbled upon a sculpture garden, her eyes lit up completely.

"C'mon," I grabbed her hand and pulled her inside before realizing what I was doing. Once inside, she looked in awe at all the sculptures around us, not noticing or not bothering to let go of my hand. We walked slowly through the garden, and I shared what little information I knew about Spanish sculptors. She seemed impressed, even though I didn't know much.

When we left and went back onto the streets, she seemed to finally notice we were still holding hands. She looked up into my eyes searchingly before quickly releasing her hand from my grasp and blushing furiously.

"Let's get something to eat," she suggested as she stuffed her hand in her pocket. I resisted a smile; she looked so cute when she was embarrassed.

"Alright, are you thinking café or restaurant?" I asked, scanning the buildings on the immediate street we were on.

"Mmmmm, what about the café we passed earlier that looked over the Plaza?" she suggested, starting to lead the way in the right direction.

"Sure," I quickened my step to stay with her. That sounded perfect.

Over dinner we looked out on to the Plaza and saw people come and go, even some of our classmates. We talked about trips we'd gone on as children and where we most wanted to travel to in the future. Claire mentioned feeling lucky to be on this trip because Greece was high up on her list, but for some reason I couldn't get myself to say how wonderful it was there and that I'm part Greek. I couldn't stop thinking about how easy it was to talk to Claire. I could visibly see her relax over dinner, and we fell into comfortable conversation. I realized that I hadn't even been thinking about what to say or how to make her open up, and I hadn't been holding back thoughts, like I constantly found myself doing around Massie. Everything about Claire made me feel comfortable, and everything about her made me smile.

After dinner the sky had started to darken a bit, but the village was even more bustling. We visited shops around the Plaza and poked our way down some side streets, admiring the different styles of architecture.

As we sat on a bench we found along the side of one of the streets, I couldn't help being in awe of her natural beauty. She barely wore any makeup, but in the dusky light she truly was one of the prettiest sights I'd ever seen. It almost made me want to paint a picture of her, to capture the moment.

She was going on about something her younger brother Todd did once that got him in major trouble even though everyone had thought it was hilarious, but as hard as I tried I could not tear my eyes away from her lips. They were slightly parted and moved as she spoke, and every once in a while they slid into a soft smile.

As usual, she felt my intense gaze and turned to look at me questioningly. I was embarrassed, but at this point I might as well go for it, right? I leaned in slightly, but all I saw was confusion in her eyes. When I leaned in quite a bit further, her expression changed to shocked, then embarrassed, then scared.

"Cam, what are you doing?" She asked, our faces just inches apart. I just kept my gaze fixed right into her eyes. "No," she said, shaking her head and moving away a little, but not that far. "I can't do this," She mumbled, so quietly that I almost missed it. Disappointment flooded me, but I backed away to give her some space.

"Sorry, Claire. I just—" I stopped short, not knowing how to explain what had overcome me.

"Cam, I'm flattered. I think. Actually, I'm not sure. Anyway, the bottom line is, you like Massie, and she likes you and I'm," she paused, uncertain. "I'm with Derrick?" It came out as a question, though I knew it wasn't meant to. At least it confirmed that she wasn't really into him.

"Cut the crap, Claire," I snapped, hopefully managing to sound angry without being harsh. "I know you are just pretending to be with Derrick to help him get Massie. Guys talk too, you know." The blush was back, but this time more ashamed and humiliated.

"S-so?" She stuttered, just barely. "Ok, so you're right. I have no romantic interest in Derrick. He's just the coolest guy I've ever met, that's all. But Massie still likes you as of right now, and I don't want to hurt her feelings." My fists clenched when she said he was the coolest guy she'd ever met, but loosened when it registered that she didn't like him. "And you like her. I think. Anyway," I wanted to interrupt but she sensed it and rushed ahead, "I don't even—I don't even like you." She said it with such conviction that I pulled away, hurt. But as she hurriedly got up to walk away from me, my eyes followed her retreating form and all I could think was who is she trying to convince?

**Derrick**

I sat next to Massie at the flamenco show, watching her watch the dancers and their colorful costumes and complex movements. It had truly been a perfect day, and I owed it all to Claire. I hoped she had an equally good day, but the way she and Cam boarded the bus separately and didn't sit next to each other led me to think otherwise. I would have to ask Cam about what happened later, but I wasn't about to give up my time with Massie to do so.

The show was wonderful and exciting and all that, but I wouldn't be able to tell you what had really happened. I was just so excited that Massie was finally giving me the time of day, in fact, she had arranged it so that we would be spending the evening alone. Ok, so maybe her real motive was to allow Cam and Claire to get to know each other, but still. She didn't mind spending time with just me.

I kept having to remind myself of Claire's instructions. She said it was important to not try and make any moves today; I had to just get friendlier with Massie and have her intrigued enough to want to keep hanging out with me, even if just as friends. It would take time, Claire had said, for her to let go of her attraction to Cam, and until she did, she would be scared away by any romantic advancements. It made sense, but I didn't have to like it.

We left the flamenco show to head to the Magic Fountain, and I couldn't resist smiling at Massie's enthusiasm as she gushed about how fun the show had been. As we pulled up, I could see the colorful lights and dancing water and could barely contain my excitement.

"Excited much?" Massie asked, a playfully teasing smile on her face.

"You betcha," I said, and cringed internally at me cheesy word choice. But it made her giggle, so I didn't worry.

"Then let's go!" She exclaimed, now equally as enthusiastic.

We piled off the bus and rushed right to the edge of the fountain. Our classmates were close behind us, I could tell. I watched, mesmerized, as the water changed color and shape, shooting high in the air above us.

Massie let out a soft "woah" as the water jets changed once again. I grinned, sharing the sentiment. It truly did seem magical, and I couldn't believe I was witnessing it with such an amazing girl.

I watched the fountain change for a while, speechless, until I heard Mr. Myner call out a five minute warning to our group. It broke me from my trance, and I turned to face Massie. To my surprise, she was looking at me! I met her gaze, and she just looked into my eyes as though she was trying to figure something out. She slowly bit her lip, and it took everything I had not to change my expression. That was one of the most attractive things I'd ever seen a girl do. I suddenly had the urge to kiss her, but I knew I had to follow Claire's advice. It was just… she almost looked like she wanted to kiss me! I just kept gazing into her eyes, but soon she shook her head, nearly imperceptibly, and turned back to the fountain for the last two minutes we were there. I sighed to myself and did the same, trying not to think what the hell just happened as I enjoyed the magic of the fountain before boarding the bus again to return to the boat.

Alrighty. Hope you enjoyed that! I don't quite know what will happen next chapter yet, so it might not be updated supersoon, although I'll try. And I'm also open to suggestions! They'll be somewhere in France (in the itinerary from the last chapter, can't remember off the top of my head) so if you've been there, tell me about it! I know my descriptions of places suck, cause I've never been to any of them. Anywayyyyy let me know what you think! And smile!

Hugs, Sky