A/N Thank you kitty-kat-girlyyyxxx for reviewing! I really appreciate your feedback. Yes, i know the chapters are a bit short, and I'm really sorry about that. Happy 4th of July, for my American readers! please, please review, i need your feedback to help make this a better story! Thank you and have a cookie (::)! ^_^ I don't own Shrek 3 or its characters, i only own Eva, Mr. Jonson, and any other OC that might come up later!

We chatted about ourselves and how the school works as we made out way towards the cafeteria.

'Are you an elf?' Artie asked suddenly; I guess he saw my ears.

I nodded and said, 'Yup, 100% elf.'

We arrived at the noisy cafeteria, where a sickening smell hit my nose. Artie chuckled when he saw my expression as he led us to the end of a line and got us both trays. As we waited, I became aware of people staring at me.

Shifting uncomfortably, I moved up and held out my tray, only to have some kind of slop dumped on it with a leg of mutton and a small bowl of salad on the side. I wrinkled my nose and moved to the side, waiting for Artie to receive his lunch. He did, but when he stepped out of line, he got this dreamy look on his face. I raised an eyebrow and turned towards to where he was staring at. All I saw was a fairly pretty looking preppy girl with strawberry blonde hair. She gave him one look and wrinkled her nose, quickly moving past him with her lunch.

I sighed and tugged on his arm, stating playfully, 'Earth to Lover Boy.'

He shook his head and blushed a bit.

Glancing around at the crowded cafeteria, I asked, 'Do we have to eat in here?'

He shook his head and replied, 'No, we could eat outside of the school, like in the fields.'

I smiled and stated, 'Well, lead the way.'

He smiled and motioned me to follow. I did, ignoring the stares that were following me. Finally, we were out of the crowded cafeteria and made our way through the halls. Soon enough, Artie pushed the oak door open and led me outside into the courtyard. Once again, I was painfully aware of the stares and attention I was getting from the other students, especially the guys. I think Artie sensed my discomfort, since he picked up the pace a bit. We rushed past the entrance gate and to the countryside outside of the school walls. There were a few students lounging around out there, but Artie led me to a shady hill overlooking the churning ocean.

As we sat down, Artie said, 'This is one of my favorite spots to eat. I hope you like it.'

I smiled faintly as I glanced at him. 'I like it just fine.' I murmured, picking up my fork and digging into the salad.

I don't like meat; it makes me sick.

Artie looked at me curiously before shrugging and digging into his mutton. I quickly finished my salad and placed my tray beside me. Glancing out at the ocean, I felt a familiar shudder of fear run up my spine. I have a huge fear of the ocean; dunno why, but I've never liked how it looks. Quickly glancing away from the terrifying waters, I gazed upon the grass. It's interesting how one species of grass comes in so many shades of green.

'Do you want your mutton?' Artie asked, startling me out of my thoughts.

Wordlessly, I passed my mutton to him, which he took eagerly.

After a few minutes of silence, Artie asked, 'Hey, are you ok?'

I switched my gaze from the grass to him and said, 'Ya, I was just thinking.'

He gazed at me for a few seconds then turned to the ocean.

'You know, I'm surprised you want to be friends with me.', Artie stated, still gazing out at the ocean.

I shrugged and replied, 'I know how it feels to be alone; to be shunned for being different. When I saw you pinned by Lancelot, I just thought we could be friends, since we both know what it's like to be the outcast.'

Turning my head slightly, I gave him a friendly smile, which he returned.

The bell started to ring again, causing me to yelp and cover my ears again. Artie only laughed and shook his head.

'Well, it's time for the last class. Want me to take you back to your room?', he asked, standing up and holding a hand out for me.

I shook my head and stated, 'Oh, you can go ahead. I'm getting sick of sitting up in my room doing nothing.'

He lifted his eyebrow and asked, 'You sure?'

I nodded and said, 'Go on, before you're late for class!'

He smiled and stated, 'Well, I'll come get you when class is over.'

Smiling, I waved my hand, signaling him to go. He only smiled and started jogging back to the school.

As soon as Artie was out of my sight, I stood up and jumped into the tree. Quickly climbing a bit higher to a thick, sturdy branch facing away from the ocean, I sat on it and leaned against the cool bark. Even if the ocean is terrifying, the sounds it makes are actually quite soothing.

The sound combined with the gentle swaying and the shade of the tree lulled me into a doze.