-Johnny POV-

After Harley left the chatroom everything went into a feeding frenzy. Pamela flipped out on Eddie and I for our comments. It wasn't our fault she had rep that followed her name. Either way I had no intention to stay in that chat any longer then I already have, so I signed out. Edward frowned, staring at the screen. That device was practically glued to the kid. From the stressed look on his face I could tell he was still arguing with the girls.

"Are you still in that dreadful chat?"

"Yes."

"Why? Just give up already."

He raised a brow at my protest, I just shook my head in reply. Of course my request was foolish for Eddie never gave up on anything, he always had to win or leave with the upper hand. I decided it was best to fiddle with my science fair project. My study was on chemical's and their effect on one's nervous system. Hopefully my experiment will take the subject and create a virtual, controllable world via the imagination. Lately, I have been sneaking into the school facilities because their chemistry lab was never opened during school hours. My project was almost finished, all I needed was a little more experimentation and of course testing the chemical compound on a real subject, Eddie. Maybe I would go to the party, not that i'm one for these social gatherings but Harleen would be there and I could always drag Eddie along with me.

"It just doesn't make sense."

"Hmm?"

I look up from my phone too meet Eddie's gaze. My mind wasn't really focused on what he was talking about today. My guess would be Edward was still rambling about this party. He wasn't necessarily found of it. Paranoid, he imagined Selina's party was only a trick to get his grades down. Not like that it would even work. Eddie has always been the smartest in out class. In preschool he used to correct our teacher on her mathematical errors.

"We've never been invited to their parties before."

"Oh, Yeah. I guess it's weird."

"Do you think Harleen is behind this?"

All I caught was the word Harleen. What was Eddie talking about? She seemed so happy, energetic and unlike most kids in our school happy to be there. Usually I try to mind myself and focus on my studies but she persisted on talking to me. Yes, I found that weird. Not many people spoke to the scrawny and pale, crow looking kid in the corner. I know what they think but it doesn't bother me. I've grown to like the silence, working alone on my projects. It gave me time to think to myself, stick my headphones in and block the whole world out. Yet that wasn't the case for her. Harleen didn't seem to mind being social with an outcast such as myself. I spun around to give Eddie a questioning look.

"What about her?"

"Don't even pretend not to notice the impact she's made on our little social group."

Eddie was right. Although I wouldn't call me, Eddie and sometimes Ozzie a social group. Harley hasn't even been here that long yet and her effect was clearly noticeable. Honestly, before today I had never spoken to Pamela. The cheerleader was always too high in popularity to spend time with us. Selina I've spoken too a few times but normally it was when she needed something. I know everyone speaks of Isley exploiting people to get what she wants but Selina wasn't that different. Eddie smirked cockily as if he knew something I did not.

"Now what?" I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"They were correct, weren't they."

"I don't know what you mean."

"The girls were right! You like this new girl."

Eddie sounded far to happy with his theory.

"Oh really now? Why go on and on about this writing class about yours. I've never heard you talk so much about a class, let alone a girl."

I feel my face get hot as I try to look busy in my work. He chuckled, coming over to my desk. Not buying my act. What is it with everyone thinking I had a crush on her? First Pamela then Selina and now Eddie. At least Eddie had the courtesy of speaking about it in private. The girls were just being cruel teasing me in that chat earlier. What if Harleen found out? What would she say? I mean, not that it's true. I don't like her I just think she's err...a nice girl who I wouldn't mind to be friends with.

"Earth to Crane."

"hmmm?"

"You never answered my question."

"No. I don't like her. Now if you don't mind, I must get back to work."

One look at Eddie's face I could tell he did not believe me. He shook his head, sitting back down on the couch. Not that I liked her but if I did I wouldn't tell Eddie. Sure, he is my best friend but I knew him too well. Once he got his hands on a secret, Eddie could and would manipulate you with it.

"Thats good, because she's hiding something."

I roll my eyes, "You think everyones hiding something."

"Thats because everyone is hiding something but that new girl, Harley. She has a secret, I just know it."

Eddie adjusted his glasses, eyes still glued to his tablet. I try to act unphased at his theory but I couldn't help thinking about it. He was normally right about his accusations. Now that I think about it she was acting weird at the begining of the class. I had to read the prompt to her. Great, now Eddie's got me paranoid.