Ash and Serena joined the lunch queue. "He thinks we're going out with each other," whispered Serena into Ash's ears. Ash laughed. "We're just really good friends, right?" What Ash really wanted to say is why they couldn't be going out. But he didn't want Serena to feel weirded out by it. Serena's first thoughts in response to this were very sad. She particularly took notice of Ash's use of the word "friends". Serena's mind was taken over by two voices. One said that she'll never have a chance with someone so perfect, while the other was feeding her false hope. The false hope was saying why not? Serena then reached the counter as the canteen assistant, Mrs. Budgen, was stood there with a blank look. She waved her hand in front of Serena's face. "Hello, earth to Serena," chimed Mrs. Budgen.
"Huh?" Serena snapped out of her trance.
"What would you like to eat, pet?" Mrs. Budgen had an impatient expression plastered across her face. "Oh, I'll have the fish and chips seeing as in its Friday."
"Very well." Mrs. Budgen dumped a heap load chips on Serena's empty plate. Ash was waiting for her at the end of queue to Serena's surprise. She hurriedly made her way to his side. "So where would you like to sit?" asked Ash like a gentleman. "How about over there?" Serena pointed at an all-girl table. Dawn was gossiping loudly with the group. "Um, ok," said Ash. He felt a little bit awkward as he was going to be the only guy on the table. As they sat down, an uproar of noise filled the air as two year 9 boys stood up and began pushing each other. "Another fight, really," said Serena. She shook her head. Mr. Lawson ran over to the scene and forced himself in between them. "Cooler, now! Both of you!" Everyone continued eating their food and acted like nothing happened. "That's the seventh fight I've seen this week," said Serena. "Why do boys have to be so immature? No offence Ash, you're different."
"Am I?" asked Ash.
"Yeah, you're a down to earth sort of guy," said Misty, one of Serena's friends. Serena was shocked by this comment. "But you hardly know Ash, Misty," said Serena.
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't compliment him." Misty gave Ash a wink. Serena's face screwed up a little as she angrily shovelled chips into her mouth.