CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
"Everyone's being weird." Dana complained, waving her hands. "Ben's avoided me all day. Did I do something?"
"No. Why? Why are you asking me? I don't know anything."
Dana sighed. "I don't know what to do."
"Me neither. I mean- I don't have any part in this. I don't even know why we're talking. Don't you hate me?"

Dana looked Finn up and down. "Oh, yeah. I think I do."
Finn nodded and pressed his lips together. "Yeah... can I go now?"
"Sure." Dana flicked a strand of hair out of her eyes.

Ivy could hardly concentrate in music. She kept reflecting on the day in the park - the creepy dude near the trees - and all of the drama with her friends. Usually, she wouldn't be too bothered with the drama. She wasn't a very social person. But for some reason it had grasped her attention and refused to let go.
And after such a long time of being fine with Dana and her antics, it had taken a dramatic turn. It had got under Ivy's skin; an itch that she couldn't reach.

"Ivy!" The teacher squawked.
She jumped and bashed at the drum she had been given, thinking that it was what needed doing. Everyone stared at her in shock and Ivy winced.
Perhaps that wasn't the best idea.
"Sorry." Ivy forced a weak smile.

"Yeah, and he was just there." Dana shivered.
Ivy, who had been a few steps behind, suddenly perked up and clattered forward. "You saw him too?"
"Uh huh." Dana sighed. "Always there. Wish he wasn't."
"I know, it's so creepy." Ivy shook her head. "Maybe I should call the police?"

Dana tipped her head. "Why would we do that?"
"Well, he's a creepy dude in a park." Ivy blinked slowly. "I swear that's illegal."
"No..." Dana turned and pointed. "He's a creepy boy in a school, that follows you around everywhere. That's legal. I think."

Ivy's mouth dropped open. "You were talking about Finn?!"
"Yeah, who did you think I was talking about?" Dana rolled her eyes.
Finn turned slowly and looked between Ivy and Dana, before slinking away.
"Well, this just got awkward." Ivy paused. "I'm still going to give you the silent treatment, by the way."

"How do I tell her?" Ben fretted.
Finn rolled his eyes. "Just don't tell her. You'll pee yourself before you get anywhere."
"Shut up." Ben groaned. "Guys, I need a plan."
Lionel jammed a fork into his pizza. "Girls."

"Don't hurt the pizza!" Finn snapped. "Psycho."
Lionel glowered at the red-head and groaned. "I need a how-to guide. Seriously."
"Why?" Ben asked curiously.
"Heather just screamed in my face." Lionel mumbled. "And I have no idea why."

Finn leaned across the table and patted the boy on the back. "You'll figure it out. Hey, maybe you could ask Tyler."
"Why him?" Ben blurted and shrank when their eyes landed on him.
"Well," Finn paused and waved a hand. "He's smooth, you know? He's good with women."

Ben grumbled. "No, he isn't."
"What was that?" Finn leaned in. "I hear..."
A beat and then the red-head stood up.
"JEALOUSY." Finn screamed at the top of his lungs.

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