Monday:

Joe felt anxious all the way to school on Monday. He had a major hangover on Sunday so it wasn't until this morning when he checked his phone and realized exactly what he had done. Now he had to face Fina and tell her that the text was a mistake.

"Aw man she's probably going to cry." He mumbled to himself. "I'm such an idiot."

He walked into the school and his anxiety doubled. Any minute now Fina would walk up to him with that shy smile of hers and tag along with him like a love sick puppy. She probably never even had a guy say that he liked her, let alone ask her out.

"Hey Joe. Feeling better?" Sam asked when he reached their locker.

"No," Joe sighed and started getting his books. "Sam, if I tell you something do you promise not to get upset?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"I um… sorta asked Fina out by text message." Joe mumbled.

Sam smirked. "Well it's about time. Fred and I totally saw it coming."

"No you don't understand," Joe rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "It was… sort of an accident."

Sam's smile instantly fell. "What?"

"I was half buzzed, you remember! I didn't know what I was doing." Joe fell back against his locker. "It's not that I don't like her or anything, I just don't know if I like her that way."

"Well you better decide. It isn't right to mess with her like that."

"I know. I know. I just don't want her to cry or hate me."

"She should hate you." Sam mumbled irritably. "Everyone can see she has a huge crush on you."

"Shh, here she comes."

Joe tensed as Fina walked towards them to her locker. She didn't seem particularly extra happy he noted. But then again she may have been trying to play it cool like he was.

"Good morning Joe. Good morning Sam." She said softly.

"Morning Fina." Sam smiled back, then nudged Joe.

"Um, morning Fina." Joe waited for her to say something about the text but she went on exchanging books for her locker. "So… how are you?"

"Fine." She smiled. "You?"

"I'm good. Good."

There was an awkward silence as Joe waited for her to say more. But then warning bell rang and Fina just left for class without saying anything. Joe stared after her completely flabbergasted.

"She didn't say anything." Joe said. "I asked her out and she didn't even say anything."

"Maybe she didn't see your text yet." Sam suggested with a shrug. "Whatever the case you better figure it out soon before you hurt the poor girl."

"Alright I'll say something after class."

"You better." Sam gave him another look before hurrying off to class and Joe did the same.

He took a seat next to Fina just as the final bell rang. Like always she gave him a small shy smile, but immediately went back to sketching. Joe frowned. Did she really not see the text or was she blowing him off completely?

"Alright class," the teacher clapped her hands to their attention. "I hope you all finished the assigned chapters because I want you to get with your partners and complete questions… twenty-five through forty-seven from your work packets."

Joe quickly leaned over to Fina. "Wanna be partners?"

"Um, sure. We've been partners so far haven't we?"

"Uh, yeah that's right." Joe frowned at her lack of enthusiasm. "Are you mad at me or something?"

Fina looked at him surprise. "What? Of course not. Why would I be mad at you?"

"No reason." Joe awkwardly cleared his throat and pulled out his packet. "Um, let's get to work."

The two of them worked quietly for the first forty five minutes of class without really talking about anything but the book. Joe was now completely sure that she hadn't seen the text. Otherwise Fina would have been all over him right? So maybe since she hadn't already seen, Joe could say that it was Fred or Sam who sent it as a joke and he would be off the hook. He just had to mention it first before she did.

"So you'll never believe what happened," Joe said with a small nervous laugh. "Sam and Fred took my phone and-"

"Asked me out pretending it was you?" Fina said softly. "Yeah I kinda figured that out on my own."

"Uhh," Joe blinked in surprise. "Y-you did?"

Fina nodded and lowered her head, causing her hair to fall over her eyes. "I may not talk much, but I am aware of what's going on around me."

Joe frowned. "And just what do you think is going on Fina?"

"Well, I know you guys are only hanging out with me because you feel sorry for me. That's the same reason why I know you would never actually ask me out. No one would."

"That's not true." Joe said quickly. "Yeah you're quiet, but you're also really nice and you can be funny when you want to be. Any guy would totally want to date you."

"You're lying." Fina smiled. "But that's sweet of you to say."

"No it's true. Any guy would kill to have a girlfriend like you." Joe sighed and leaned back in his seat, thinking about Joleena. "I know I would."

Fina turned bright red and Joe realized what he just said. And… all of it wasn't a total lie. Fina was totally nice and kinda cute when she smiled or when her hair wasn't in her eyes.

"Fina, I know the text was a mistake but," Joe paused to consider what he was about to do, but decided to go for it anyway. Joleena was now completely off limits to him so why not? "Do you want to go out with me? For real this time."

Fina stared at him for a long moment and for a second Joe was afraid she was going to say no. But then, she gave him that small sweet smile of hers and nodded.

Fred was never the kind of guy to pay attention in class, but today his mind seemed to be really distracted. Ever since the party he still wasn't sure if he really liked Joleena or if he just liked pretending to be her boyfriend. And even worse, he couldn't tell if she even liked him that way.

As soon as the bell for lunch rang Fred rushed out of the classroom to meet Joleena in the hallway. As usual she was already surrounded by a bunch of girls and even a few guys.

"Hey babe," He smiled as the crowd automatically parted for him. "Ready for lunch? We're eating with my friends today remember?"

"Actually I have a better idea." Joleena smiled and led him away from the others. "Jackie and was thinking we could go to that Chinese place across the street for lunch. She has some pictures of her trip to Aspen."

"Nope, today is the day you finally agreed to eat lunch with my friends and I'm not letting you get out of it." Fred grinned and wrapped his arm slightly around her waist. "It's gonna be fine. Stop being so nervous."

"I'm not nervous." Joleena pouted. "I'm just selective about who I hang out with."

"Well don't be. My friends may not be part of the popular crowd, but they're totally awesome to hang out with. You'll see."

After they got their food from the lunch line, Fred led her to the table where Joe, Sam, and Fina were sitting.

"Hey guys," Fred grinned sitting down and pulled a chair out for Joleena. "Look who finally decided to eat lunch with us."

Sam gave Joleena a polite smile and wave but Joe immediately starting choking on his milk.

"Bonjour." Joleena gave them a halfhearted smile. "It's nice to see you all again."

Fina made a move like she was about to bolt but Joe put his hand on top of hers and quickly whispered something in her ear that seemed to calm her down. She settled back into seat and gave Joe a small smile.

Fred smirked. "You two seem awfully cozy. Did you guys finally admit that you two like each other?"

Joe and Fina both blushed and Fred's smiled grew. "No way! Are you two actually going out now?"

"Um, yeah." Joe shrugged sheepishly. "It sorta just happened during first period."

"Seriously?" Sam mumbled irritably. "Unbelievable."

"Oh don't be jealous Sam." Fred chuckled and draped an arm around Joleena's shoulders. "We'll get you a girlfriend too. Riley from Algebra I might be interested or maybe I can hook you up with a cheerleader."

"No thanks." Sam scoffed. "I don't have time for a girlfriend. As a matter of fact I have another assignment to work on so I think I'll finish my lunch in the library."

Fred frowned as he watched him leave. "What's wrong with him?"

"You know how Sam is, he always stresses about school." Joe said. "So um, Fred… you never told us how long you and Joleena have been dating."

"Since the summer actually." Joleena smiled. "Fred and I met at the Brooklyn Division Sports Camp."

"Yeah my friend Kevin hooked us up." Fred grinned as a sudden thought came to him. "Hey! You know what we should do? The four of us should totally go on a double date this Friday!"

"We should!?" Joe and Joleena said at the same time, neither of them looking too thrilled at the idea.

"Of course we should, it'll be fun." Fred insisted. "Right Fina?"

Fina jumped in surprise and looked at Joe. "I-I don't know. I don't think Joe really-"

"No, Fred's right. It might be fun." Joe smiled. "Let's do it. Dinner and a movie?"

"How about just dinner? I have cheerleading practice early Saturday morning." Joleena said.

"Cool. Ray's at seven-thirty it is." Fred grinned excitedly. "I can't wait."

Friday:

"Geez how long does it take girls to get ready?" Fred grumbled to Joe as they waited outside of Ray's. "I'm starving."

"I'm sure they'll be here soon." Joe mumbled distractedly.

Fred raised an eyebrow. "You okay dude? You've been acting weird all week."

"What?" Joe shook his head. "No, no I'm fine. I guess I'm just nervous because this is my first date."

"It's no big deal." Fred shrugged. "I've been on a bunch of double and group dates before. It's almost not a date at all."

Suddenly Fred's phone vibrated and he looked down to see a text from Joleena.

Hey, sorry I'm late but I'm on my way now. She texted. Keri came over and I lost track of time.

Fred scoffed and texted back, Geez Jay, Joe and I have been waiting for like twenty minutes! I'm starving!

Lol, you're always starving. I'll be there in ten.

"So Joleena's finally on her way." Fred mumbled. "Wanna go ahead inside and order?"

"Nah, I think I'll wait for Fina. She should be on her…way…"

Joe's voice trailed off and when Fred followed his gaze he gasped in shock. Fina was walking towards them looking completely different. Despite the cold weather she was wearing a knee length, flowery skirt, dark pink leggings, a blue shirt, and a pink jacket, all fitting her petit form nicely. And finally her hair was loosened from it's usually ratty braids and held back from her face with a head band.

Fina bit her lip nervously and smiled at them. "Do I… look okay?"

"Yeah," Joe grinned. "Fina you look absolutely amazing. I mean, I've never seen you look so- you look really- and your hair is so-"

"Yeah, who knew you actually had eyes." Fred snickered.

Fina pursed her lips, but there was a playful spark in her eyes. "Thank you Fred. You look very…clean. Who knew you actually had a shower at home."

Joe snickered and Fred was momentarily speechless, but kinda proud. There was the sound of heels and he turned to see Joleena coming towards them. If Fina looked cute then Joleena looked hands down gorgeous. She was wearing a dark blue shirt-dress with a wide white belt, hoop earrings, and her hair was loose and wavy down her back. Even Joe was staring at her and practically drooling.

"Well are we going in or are you just going to stare at me?" Joleena giggled.

Fred quickly opened the door and let her in. "After you."

Joleena let out another flirty giggled which automatically died when she went inside.

"This?" She frowned. "This is the pizza place you told me about Fred?"

"Yeah, this is it. Pretty awesome huh?"

"Awesome isn't quite how I'd put it." Joleena mumbled.

The four of them took a booth near the back and ordered a large pepperoni with four sodas. Conversation was… awkward. Fina of course barely spoke and when she did she mostly talked to Joe and Joleena seemed too preoccupied with how greasy the table was to contribute to the conversation. So it was mostly Fred and Joe talking with two pretty girls by their sides.

Are you just as bored as I am? Fred texted Joleena as Joe complained about Earth Science class.

Oui. Joleena responded. Does Fina really never talk that much or does she just not like me?

Trust me, she's just quiet. Lol.

And half the time your friend Joe keeps staring at me. It's kind of awkward.

Fred glanced up and noticed that Joe's eyes did flicker to Joleena a lot. Not that he could blame him though. Joleena was pretty gorgeous and Fred was used to other guys staring at his fake girlfriend by now.

Well duh, it's because you're freakin' gorgeous babe. ;)

Joleena giggled out loud causing Joe to stop talking and everyone to look at her.

"Sorry." She giggled and nudged Fred's shoulder. "Fred was distracting me."

"Because I'm so awesome and funny." Fred winked.

Fina rolled her eyes and whispered something to Joe which made him bust out laughing and he whispered something back to her.

"Aww aren't you two just adorable?" Fred teased.

"Shut up." Joe blushed and grabbed Fina's hand. "Come on Fina, let's look at the dessert case. Give these two love birds some privacy."

As soon as they left Fred took the opportunity to slide closer to Joleena and wrap his arm around her shoulder. "Sorry this double date is so lame. Usually Joe is a lot more interesting. I think he's nervous because Fina's his first real girlfriend."

"Oh I don't mind." Joleena smiled. "This date isn't nearly as bad as I expected it to be."

"Well…" Fred leaned closer to her. "Maybe next time it could just be me and you. Like a real date or something."

"Real date?" Joleena sighed and took his arm off her shoulder. "Fred, I think we have to get some things straight here. I like you, I like you a lot, but… I just don't want to enter an actual relationship right now."

"Oh." Fred's smile fell before he could stop it. He quickly pasted it back on though. "Yeah, yeah me neither. I was just saying if you wanted to go on a real date I'd be cool with it, but it's whatever. I don't care either way."

Joleena gave him a pitying look though like she didn't believe him. "Uh-huh. Look Fred, if things between us are getting too personal for you…"

"No, no I'm good." Fred said quickly shoving more pizza in his mouth. "I was just messing around anyway. It's no big deal."

"Uh-huh…"

It felt like forever until Joe and Fina came back to the table.

"Oh good you're finally back, Fina." Joleena stood up. "I have to go powder my nose."

"Oh, um, yes Joleena." Fina jumped back up and followed after her.

At first Joe thought the night was going to be horrible. He was going on a double date with his best friend, ex-crush, and a girl he wasn't even sure he liked that way! And even though Fina looked pretty cute, Joleena looked down right beautiful and Joe had been close to walking out on the date right then and there. But Joe was glad he stayed. He couldn't say he was as in love with Fina as he had been with Joleena, but he was definitely glad he asked her out.

"Why don't you where your hair like that more often?" Joe asked as they looked at the dessert case. "You look really cute."

"Um, I can wear it more like this if you want me to." Fina smiled.

"Yeah, actually I think I'd like that." Joe grabbed her hand and laced their fingers together. "Let's get back before Fred eats all the pizza."

"I wouldn't put it pass him." She giggled.

When they got back to the booth there was a weird tension. Fred and Joleena were sitting apart and Fred was shoving pizza in his face while Joleena sipped her soda. Both of them were completely breaking eye contact.

"Oh good you're finally back, Fina." Joleena stood up. "I have to go powder my nose."

"Oh, um, yes Joleena." Fina jumped back up and followed after her.

Joe sat across from Fred and gently nudged him. "Hey is everything alright between you and Joleena? You two seem kinda tense."

"Yeah, we're cool." Fred sighed. "But, I kind of have a confession to make. Joleena isn't really my girlfriend. We're just pretending so the popular kids will leave us alone."

Joe could have sworn his heart stopped beating for half a second. "Wh-what? You two aren't dating? You guys don't like each other?"

"Nope." Fred looked away. "We don't like each other in that way at all apparently."

Joe suddenly wanted to do backflips. Joleena wasn't off limits! Joleena wasn't off limits! Which meant that when Fred got tired of her, like he always did with girls, Joe could totally ask her out and-

Fina and Joleena came back to the booth and when she slid in next to him, Fina shyly brushed her hand against Joe's. His stomach twisted with guilt even as he smiled at her and held her hand. She hadn't been gone for five minutes and Joe was already thinking about how to hook up with another girl.

"Something wrong Joe?" Fina asked sweetly. "Your face is kind of red."

"No, no I'm fine." Joe cleared his throat and dropped a few bills on the table. "It's getting kind of late, I should walk you home."

"NO!"

Fina spoke so loudly that everyone stared at her in surprise. She cleared her throat and spoke in a more normal tone. "I-I mean, no thank you. It's not that far."

"Fina it's way too dark for you to be walking alone at night." Joe persisted. "I have to walk you."

"Yeah this is New York Fina. You could get mugged or something." Fred said.

"Or get accosted by a homeless person." Joleena muttered.

"B-but I-" Fina sighed in defeat. "Okay."

Joe was confused but he tightened his grip on her hand and they walked out of Ray's together. The night air was chilly so they walked close together to generate warmth between them. Fina was incredibly quiet and now so was Joe. All he could think about was how beautiful Joleena looked, how pretty Fina's eyes and smile were, and how cute it was that Joleena was disgusted with every little grease spot in the pizzeria. Joe felt like a complete jerk. He liked both girls. Fina was sweet and he had to admit he did feel a little sorry for her. But he still felt like he had a huge crush on Joleena despite never really talking to her. It wasn't fair to Fina.

"Well here we are." Fina said, coming to a stop in front of a small, shabby house. "Thanks for walking me home Joe. And thanks for talking me out. It was… really fun."

"Y-you're welcome." Joe sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Fina, there's something I have to tell you…"

The door suddenly banged open and a tall, lanky man with a beer gut and five o'clock shadow leaned in the doorway. He was wearing a white, dirty tank top, basketball shorts, carried a beer in one hand, and a cigarette hanging from his mouth.

"There you are Fiona." He said in a gruff, angry. "Where the hell have you been young lady? Do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Sorry Larry." Fina said meekly. "I-I was out with Joe. And my name's Fina remember?"

"I don't care where you were." Larry said impatiently. "Do you have any idea how hungry I was waiting for you to come home and fix dinner? It's almost nine o'clock!"

Fina flushed angrily but lowered her head. "I turned the oven on and left it on the stove. Why didn't you ask Sierra to do it?"

"Because it ain't my job you lazy whore!" A new voice screeched from inside.

Larry's face darkened with anger and he turned his head to yell back, "Don't call my step-daughter a whore you stupid slut! She's worth ten of you!"

"Well then why don't you marry her you perv!" Sierra screamed back.

"I think you should go." Fina whispered to Joe. "This could get ugly fast."

"Are you sure I should leave you?" Joe looked at her in concern. "Fina, are you safe here?"

"And why the hell wouldn't she be safe?" Larry glared at Joe and limped down the steps towards them. "Just who the hell are you boy? Why are you sniffing around my step-daughter like a dog? She's barely thirteen."

"Fourteen." Fina sighed.

"I'm her boyfriend." Joe glared up at Larry, who had to be more than six feet tall.

"Not if I say you aren't!"

"Joe, please its fine." Fina said quickly stepping between them. "Larry, I just give me ten minutes and I'll be right in to fix your dinner."

"Make it five." Larry gave Joe another glare and headed back inside. "And don't be staying out too late, Fiona. I don't want you to end up a filthy slut."

"Yes, sir." Fina whispered. "And it's Fina."

"I don't like this." Joe frowned. "And who is that woman in there?"
"Sierra, Larry's new wife." Fina sighed. "Promise you won't tell anyone about this at school? I get made fun of enough as it is."

"Ugh, Fina…"

"Please?" She begged, her blue eyes wide and pleading. "Please Joe, not a word to anyone, please?"

"Alright, alright." Joe tried to smile at her. "I won't tell anyone I swear."