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Who knew I'd get my own room? I didn't. We had just gotten home from the car dealership and Judy was showing me to it. I was starting to unpack my bags and stuff when Sam came and stood in my doorway. Wow... creepy. Guess that's what I get for leaving it open.

I smiled awkwardly. "...Can I help you?" I asked.

"Oh yeah! Uh, I'm going to a party at the lake and I was wonderin' if you'd wanna come... with me." he said.

I raised an eyebrow. What the fuck did he just aske me?

He seemed to realize how wrong it sounded cuz he quickly corrected himself... or attempted to anyway.

"NO NO! Not like that! Cuz I mean you're my cousin, and you can see where that'd be wrong!" he tried to explain.

"Uh huh." I agreed "Same old Sammy." I smiled at his babbling.

He only rolled his eyes. "You wanna come or not?" he finally asked.

"Sure." I shrugged. "Just give me a few minutes to get ready. I kinda look like a sweaty bum." I said casually.

Sam scoffed. "'Kay, well try to hurry. I gotta pick up Miles." he said.

I hesitated. "Who's that?" I asked him.

"Just, ya know, a friend of mine." Sam replied before walking away.

"Great." I huffed. Knowing that friend was probably a guy and that it was gonna be even more awkward now, I decided to put on some halfway decent clothes.

After pulling my hair into a high ponytail and fixing my makeup, I grabbed some of the first articles of clothes I found.

A Mickey Mouse tanktop with a rather profane gesture on it, some knee-length jean shorts, and my new black and white Converses.

Oh I swear if these shoes get dirty, somebody's gonna die!

Anyway, I made my way downstairs to find Sam and Ron standing in the yard arguing about the grass. I didn't catch much of the conversation, just tidbits.

"It's family grass, Dad!" Sam yelled.

"Well when you own your own grass, you'll understand!" Ron responded.

Ooooh, so it was about staying on the path. Wow... don't even get me started.

"Mom, I can't do it anymore. You're putting girl jewelry on a boy dog! He's a chiuahuah! He has enough self-esteem issues!" Sam said.

"That's his bling!" Judy bragged.

"Woah, so he's a crackhead and he's gay? What next?" I said calmly.

Sam looked at me funny. "What- how'd you-"

"Your room's right beside mine. I heard ya talkin' about the pain pills and whatnot." I explained.

He just sighed and urged me to get in the car.

His parents told us to be back by eleven and to drive safe and all that kinda crap, and then we left.

As we pulled off, a giant puff of black smoke filled the yard.

I laughed like shit.

"Ha! How's his grass now? He is so cheap!" I giggled.

"Yeah, like your dad's any better." Sam teased.

My face dropped. He wasn't. Sam and his parents actually had alot more money than me and mine. My parents were divorced and neither of their jobs payed alot.

"Yeah but atleast he isn't obsessed with GRASS." I joked back.

Sam laughed and we chatted slightly the rest of the way to his friend's house.

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"Wassup, pretty lady? I'm Miles." Sam's friend finally came outside as we sat parked on the curb near his house.

He wasn't cute at all and there was no chance I was gonna return the gestures, but I had no problem with him flirting with me. In my hometown I didn't get alot of compliments, so I was flattered.

"Nothin' but the sky, dude." I replied as casually as I could without blushing. "The name's Jace." I tipped an imaginary cowboy hat, trying to be funny.

Of course, he laughed and then got in the vehicle before Sam pulled off.

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"Dude, are you sure we're invited to this party?" Miles asked.

"Of course we are, It's a lake. Publiv property." Sam said.

"Um, I kind of agree with Miles. I don't think I'm gonna get out, Sam." I said hesitantly.

He sighed. "Sure, okay. Whatever you want." he said as we parked. He and Miles started talking about some girl named Mikalea and Miles started to climb a tree.

Wow. That's just... wow.

Sam started talking to some jock-looking guy and I was surprised to see he was friends with someone like that.

Oh shit.

I didn't know what he was saying, but I could tell the hot guy started picking on my cousin. Oh hell no, this ain't finna work!

I threw the car door open and ran over to them. Some really pretty yet slutty-looking girl with dark hair was in between the two.

Hm. Maybe she's not that slutty. I take it back.

"Hey. HEY!" I got their attention. "What the fuck's going on?" I demanded.

"Sam, you never mentioned having a girlfriend." the jocked then proceeded to wolf whistle at me. I blushed. Oh good lord, he's an idiot.

"What's a hot chick like you doin' with these two?" the jock asked.

I couldn't believe him. Was he hitting on me? I'm pretty sure that other girl was his girlfriend!

"Leave her alone, Trent." the girl said. He only ignored her.

That's when I decided to speak.

"Don't call me 'chick'. I'm not a chicken." I stated firmly. I heard some of his friends snicker at that, but he only smirked and turned to the rest of the group. He told them he knew of a party and after he shut up, everyone began to leave.

Mr. Asswhole walked back over to me with a smug look.

"You know, you can come too if ya want, Sweetheart." he flirted.

"No thanks." I said, giving him the darkest look I could muster.

As I walked back over to the Comaro with Sam and Miles, who had exited the tree, I noticed Trent and Mikalea having a little dispute. Then she started to walk away. I grinned at the idea that popped into my head and ran over to Sam.

"Sam! Is that the girl you have a crush on?" I asked.

He seemed embarrassed, but still nodded. I smiled at his blush.

"Awww," I cooed. "She and that guy just had a fight and she's walking, I think... Go give her a ride!" I urged.

His face lit up, but he looked unsure of what to do.

All of a sudden, as he stared after her, the radio in his car came to life.

It was playing 'Who's Gonna Drive You Home Tonight'.

Well that song fits.

Like... alot.

Thanks, car.

"I'm gonna drive her home tonight." I heard Sam mumble. My smile widened.

"What!? SHe's an evil jock concubine, man! Let her hitchike!" Miles began to freak out and I smiled at his antics.

That is, until my cousin turned around and looked at his friend.

"Miles, you gotta get outta the car." he said hurridly.

"Oh hell no. Sam! You can't kick him out!" I argued.

"Yeah, man. We'll just put her in the back and-" Miles started, but was cut off.

"HAHAHA! WOOAAH!" I laughed hysterically at his proposal. I knew Sam wasn't gonna have any of that.

The two just ignored me and Sam's apologetic expression turned into one of annyoance. "You gotta get outta the car, man."

"But-"

"Miles! Outta the car!"

"Dude-"

"Please, just get out of the car!"

They argued back and forth for a few seconds.

"Uh... guys, she's getting away!" I half yelled. I'm surprised she didn't hear me actually.

"Miles, OUT OF THE CAR!" Sam hissed.

"Dude you can't do this to me!" Miles pleaded. "You're breakin' the rules!"

"What rules?" Sam questioned.

"The bros before hoes!" Miles exclaimed. I had to agree with him on that one, but it wasn't like I could do anything about it. I'm pretty sure this was the only chance my cousin would EVER have with a girl like that.

As soon as we ditched Miles, I shot him an apologetic look from the back seat where Sam forced me to sit, but I don't know if he saw or not.

I felt really bad. Miles seemed sweet, and it wasn't right to kick him out and make him walk, but to be honest, this chika was hot. I mean, I'm not lesbian, but she was fine. And normally Sam would be lucky to get a girl period... much less a super model- quality chick like her. So, I ignored the guilt nawing at the back of my mind and stayed quiet as we drove up to the preppy girl.

"Mikalea!" Sam called out to her, a little overexcitedly if you ask me.

"It's Sam... WItwicky." he introduced himself.

"I hope I didn't getcha stranded or anything." he tried to be sympathetic, but to me he just sounded awkward. And I mean really really awkward. Kinda like the people that go in Burger King with a Taco Bell cup. Yeeaah... really awkward.

She simply shook her head in an irritated manner.

"Ya sure?" he asked. "Well I was wondering if I could ride ya home?"

Oh there we go. Mistake number one. Smooth, Sam. Real smooth.

He quickly corrected himself.

"Uh, give you a ride home... in my car to your house." he stumbled over his words.

I guess we have that in common. Whenever I'm nervous I get really tongue-tied and end up making a fool of myself... much like he was doing now.

She stopped walking and got in as Sam opened the door muttering 'here ya go'.

To say I was shocked would be a lie.

To say I wasn't overjoyed would be a lie.

To say I thought the moment would last more than one mile down the road... that was the biggest falsity in the history of the universe.

Apparently Mikalea didn't notice me, because she never even mentioned me.

"So... uh..." Sam began awkwardly.

I rolled my eyes as I sat back, drawing patterns on the seat, and praying to Jesus that it wasn't really shivering and it was just my imagination.

"I can't believe I'm here right now." her feminine voice cut through the silence like a knife slicing through butter.

My facial expression twisted into one of anger. Now that was offensive! I started to tell her off, but before I could speak, Sam beat me to it.

"You can duck down if you want. It won't hurt my feelings." he said, sounding disapponted.

"But it'll hurt mine!" I said a little louder than intended.

Mikalea jumped and spun around to see me scowling at her.

"Oh! I- I didn't... I didn't see you there." she said nervously. I was making it pretty obvios that her little comment had pissed me off.

"Yeah. Didn't think so." I deadpanned.

"Um, Mikalea, this is my cousin. Her name's Jacee." Sam hurriedly piped up, trying to avoid a fight between me and his possible love interest.

"Nice to meet you." she smiled politely at me. I shot her a fake grin and then let my annoyed look return.

She didn't seem to mind my attitude as she turned around to look at Sam. She paused a moment before speaking.

"And, um... I didn't mean here with you." she gestured to the me and Sam. "I meant in this situation." she finished.

Oh now I'm curious. Time to be nosy.

"Cuz I dunno. I guess I just have a weakness for hot guys with tight abs and really big arms." she rambled.

I scoffed. "You and me, both, sister." I said.

She turned and gave me a half smile to acknowledge my statement, before turning to look back at Sam.

He had just muttered something about 'big arms', but neither of us had payed him any attention.

"Well uh... there's a couple new additions in the car." he said. "Like I just put in that light there. And that disco ball... see, the light reflects off the dico ball." he gestured to the acessories that were already in the car when we got it, and attempted to flex.

Mikalea looked at him like he was an idiot.

Well... come to think of it...

"Huh..." she hummed.

"Yeeeaaah." I said awkwardly, but as I assumed, they ignored me.

After a long moment of tense silence, Mikalea spoke.

"A- are you new to school this year? It's your first year?" she asked while smiling at him.

I tell ya, I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing at that one. This was just sad!

'Uh, no. No, We've been in the same school since first grade." he informed her.

"Really?" she asked.

"Yeah." he gave an awkward humourless laugh.

"Yeah, long time." I smirked.

"Well do we have any classes together?" she asked.

I felt bad for her. I could tell she was trying her hardest to be as nice as she could.

"Uh, yeah! Yeah, history, language arts, math, science..." he began to list classes.

"Sam!" she suddenly said. I could picture a lightbulb going off in her head if this was a cartoon.

"Sam... Wilkicky?" she asked, trying to remember our last name.

"Wit-wicky." I corrected her.

She started to apologize for not recognizing him and then she turned to me.

"So... Jacee? Do you go to our school, too?"

I shook my head.

"Nope I'm actually not from around here. I'm just staying here for the summer." I explained.

"Oh, cool. Well where are you from?" she asked.

"East Coast." I said with a smirk.

Her eyes widened a little. "Wow, you cam a long way. You must really love your brother." she remarked.

"Uh... cousin." I corrected her yet again.

"Oh yeah!" she frowned. "Ya know what? I- I'm sorry. It's just..." she trailed off.

I smiled kindly at her. "No, no really. It's cool." I assured her. "That's understandable."

She smiled gratefully at me. Obviously glad I wasn't pissy with her.

But... alas.

Our nice little friendship-building moment was interrupted when the car sputtered to a stop.

I heard Mikalea sigh and my heart dropped with worry of her leaving.

"C'mon! C'mon!" Sam freaked out while trying again and again to start the car. "I'm still working out the kinks, ya know?" he stated in a panic.

Then it happened.

When I thought my cousin couldn't possibly get any more embarrassed, and I couldn't feel any worse for him... I was proved wrong.

Absolutely, possitively wrong.

The radio suddenly blared to life playing 'Sexual Healing and 'I Feel Good'.

I groaned as Sam tried to come up with an explanation for Mikalea, which she wasn't listening to anyway.

"C'mon car! Seriosuly!?" I hissed in a whisper.

We were at some kind of look out or something and it became increasingly obvious that Sam's bad karma was catching up with him.

Anyway, Mikalea got out and lifted the hood, gasping as she looked at the motor.

I, being as nosy as I am, wanted to see what she and Sam were gawking at. Well, her... I know what Sam was gawking at. So I got out and walked to the front of the car to see what could possibly be so-

"Crap!" I exclaimed, looking under the hood.

The engine was all shiny and new looking like it had just come off the conveyor belt. It definately wasn't what I expected to see in this car.

"Woah, nice headers." Mikalea awed. "You've got a hugh-rise double-pump carborator. That's pretty impressive, Sam." she said, truly sounding surprised.

"It's shiny." I mumbled dumbly.

Sam rolled his eyes and Mikalea laughed at my unintellectual remark.

I stared at the engine while Mikalea explained to Sam what a good mechanic she was and asked him to start the car.

"Ya know, I was thinking... if Trent's such a jerk, why do you hang out with him?" Sam asked stupidly.

"Really!?" I finally snapped at him.

"Ya know what? I think I'm just gonna walk." Mikalea said, taking her hair down.

"Yeah? Walking's fun. It's good exercise, right?" Sam muttered to her, sounding like a kicked puppy.

He sprinted over to the car and began begging it to start, to no avail.

I walked over and put my hand on the passenger door. "Please don't let her walk away." I pleaded with no one in particular.

Suddenly, the comaro roared to life, playing 'Baby Come Back'.

I smiled brightly, even though I was extremely freaked out at this point. But I pushed that aside and jumped in the backseat before we charged forward, driving up beside Mikalea.

I stayed quiet the rest of the way to her house, hoping that she and Sam would hit it off, but other than small talk, they weren't getting anywhere with this.

We pulled up at her house and I couldn't help but notice that it was in a lower class area of town. I mean, there's nothing wrong with that. My family lives in an area even worse than this. It's just that I expected her house to be bigger and more extravagent... and located in a rich neighborhood.

Whatever, I guess.

As we parked to let her out, she turned and smiled at Sam.

"Um, I had fun. So you know... thanks for listening." she said.

"Oh yeah. Yeah, sure." he muttered.

"Thanks for not leaving." I poked my head in between the front seats, smiling.

Sam smiled slightly and Mikalea grinned back at me.

"You... you think I'm s-shallow, huh?" she asked hesitantly.

No. Not in the least. I thought she was awesome, actually, but I decided to let Sam answer instead. Maybe he'd say something profound and make her swoon like in the movies.

"Uh... uh... No. No, not at all. I think there's alot more than meets the eye... with you." he stuttered.

Both me and Mikalea smiled at that.

Finally, he made the right move!

Mikalea let out a relieved laugh. "Okay..." she said. "So, I'll see you at school." she said to him.

"Bye, Jacee. I guess I'll see you around?" she asked, looking at me.

"Sure." I smiled. "And call me Jace." I told her.

She nodded and waved, before exiting the car, and going inside.

"Stupid. That was a stupid line." Sam muttered to himself.

"Actually, I think it was pretty good, Sammy." I smirked at him.

He smiled back at me then turned and placed his hands on the steering wheel.

"I love my car." he whispered.

Me too. I thought as I patted the seat beside me for no apparent reason.

AN: Like it? Review! Thank you to my reviewers btw! It means soooo much to me! :) *cyber hug*