"You'll have exactly one hour and fifteen minutes to complete this exam," Ms. Chang puts the test facedown on my table.

There's only five people here, everyone else was exempt.

"If you finish early, bring it up to me and then quietly exit."

Heather and I really did study a bit when I was at her house. It made her feel better about telling my mom that's what we were doing.

"Remember, do your best, and don't spend too much time on one question."

See, even if I know the information on the test, I still fold under pressure.

I wish my study buddy was here.

I could coax her into giving me the answer to all 25 of these questions.

Until then...

My eyes scan around the room at the posters and charts like there are hints written on the walls.

"Focus, Mr. Rylin."

The half-life of one isotope of radium is about 1,600 years.

Sure.

An object with mass and speed directed to the right strikes a wall and rebounds with speed directed to the left.

Sure?

The change in the object's kinetic energy is—

Screw it.

After I read a problem, I circle the first answer that pops into my brain— when I blank, I circle 'B.' If gravity was discovered by an apple falling to the ground, then that means physics can be solved by common sense alone.

For fuck's sake, I made flashcards, if I fail, I'm never picking up a book again.

"All done," I sigh and hand her the test. "Are you giving them back after they're graded?"

"You want to go over your answers?" I nod. "I am glad to know you developed study habits. I'll grade it right now." She takes out a bright red pen.

"Oh..."

I avoid looking at the exam when she starts marking it— but I hear every slash she makes, and stop counting after 3. I should've concentrated on the material more...I shouldn't have started fucking my tutor until after-

"Well done."

My eyes widen in surprise, "I got an eighty?"

"And you passed the first semester."

I smile, "cool."

"This is what happens when you apply yourself."

"I guess so."

"I am assuming the tutoring helped?"

You know what, Ms. Chang, I owe you one for real.

I try not to smirk, "yeah, thanks, you have no idea how great that worked out for me."

"Thank Heather," she nods.

"Believe me, I will."

"Also, if you both would prefer, you can have fewer sessions now, or stop them altogether."

"Nah, we're good."

"I'd like to hear that from her as well, but it sounds fine to me. Whatever is best."

My girlfriend kissing me whenever I get a question right is what's best.

"No," Evan shakes his head, "away games aren't as cool as they sound. We get to leave school in the middle of the day and all, but when we get there, we just play and then go to sleep. The only really cool thing is that they have to buy us food and put us in a hotel. We don't party and hook up the whole time."

"What a waste," Charlie says in disappointment.

"Not completely...if you're brave enough...and really sneaky, you could maybe make it to a cheerleaders room. But there's two to a room— I doubt everyone will be happy in there."

"I heard Jasper Sear made out with one of the cheerleaders in the maids' closet."

"He said he did," Evan clarifies.

"That's a good idea," Charlie looks at him like he's insane for not trying it. "I'm going to get on the team."

"The coach is such a creep," McKayla cringed at the thought.

Ever since the school found out about Evan, he's been having lunch with me and Charlie...and for some reason, a side effect of that has been a bunch of girls sitting at our table too. Charlie doesn't mind at all.

"He is, isn't he?" Karlie adds. "I was here after school once, and he walked up, threw his keys on the door handle, and just stood arm-to-arm with me."

"That's weird, not creepy. Creepy is him sitting across from me and staring down my shirt."

She gasps, "He did that?"

"In front of everyone at the table. A table full of girls."

"What's his deal?" Karlie looks to Evan.

"I don't know, it's an all-guys team. He doesn't get creepy with us."

"Maybe you should tell someone," I suggest.

"Yeah, right," McKayla rolled her eyes, "I told the vice principal that a boy grabbed my ass, and she told me it was my fault for wearing tight jeans."

"I don't think she's allowed to do that..." I say in concern.

"And the football team is winning. That's all the school is going to care about," Karlie sighs.

"Wait," Evan pauses, "who was the dude?"

"Jeffrey Carter," McKayla responds, "fucking pervert."

"One of Drew's guys," I nod.

"I want a one-on-one with him and everybody he hangs out with," Evan balls his fists up on the table.

"We could jump them...but only when one of them is alone, obviously."

He laughs, "jump them?"

"Yeah— like hop out of a corner when they're about to mess with a girl or any kid and just wail on them."

"Become school superheroes," a smirk appears on his face.

"And Charlie can help too."

"I can go on secret missions to protect McKayla," Charlie says happily. "We can call ourselves the Chester power rangers."

"Yeah..." I raise an eyebrow, "or something cool."

"You know who'd be great?" Evan asks. "Your friend Matt. He's kinda scary."

I scoff, "Matt? That's not the word I'd use to describe him." He's the happy guy, and the optimistic one, and the guy who makes everyone laugh.

"That's how he was to me."

"Oh, yeah...I forgot about that."

"Jeffrey Carter doesn't stand a chance against Matt."

"He probably buys weed from him, honestly."

"You guys smoke?" McKayla gives us a weird look.

"I don't," Evan says in amusement, "but Zach? Full-blown stoner. You should've seen him on his birthday."

"His birthday..." she trails, "...were you two— a thing or something, because I heard a rumor that you liked him."

"I did, but there wasn't a thing. It was just me," he lies...for me...and for some reason, I don't like it.

"Oh...still adorable. Not many guys would be comfortable enough to admit that."

I was wondering why the shockwave didn't hit me. Evan has been telling people that I have nothing to do with it, so I'm still in the closet as much as I was before. It seems unfair.

"I wasn't allowed to go to the party," Karlie says sadly. "There weren't any parents there."

I shrug, "It's okay. I'm not a stoner...I just ran into some...and got stoned..."

"My brother is a stoner, and he's a loser," McKayla sneers.

Evan chuckles and shakes his head, "those aren't synonyms."

"Yes, they are."

"I want to try it actually..." Karlie admits.

"Karlie," McKayla said in astonishment.

"You think you could get us some?"

"Us?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Yeah, how about it?" Karlie asks excitedly. "I could tell my dad that I have art club one day after school and we could find a place."

"It's not a bad idea," Evan adds.

"You too?" I say in surprise.

"Am I invited?" Charlie asks.

"I guess everyone is...but he's going to charge."

Karlie cheers, "I have money."

I sigh in annoyance when Heather walks in. "Why are you here?"

"I volunteered."

"I don't need help."

"Then it's a good thing I'm not helping you."

She's been so obnoxious lately. Whenever I see her, it's attitude and snide comments as if I've done anything to her.

"Whatever, don't mess anything up."

"Can't do any more damage than you've already done."

I narrow my eyes, "this means you're going, then?"

"Mhm."

"Who's your date this time?"

"Boyfriend."

"I was just wondering, you know, since you took Jace to the Autumn ball, took Preston to the debutante— you can never make up your mind."

"I think I can...considering I ended up with Leo after both of those."

"That's an accomplishment?"

She smirks, "I've got a trophy that says so."

"A cheap one in denim jeans."

"And how much are you offering the Brownstone lacrosse team to date you now?"

"I don't have to pay for anyone's attention...unlike some people who could have gotten a pet dog instead of a pet poor person."

"Oh, Audrey, always the bridesmaid never the bride."

"Since you're so curious, I'm going with Alison and a new friend of mine." I tilt my head in thought, "I'm pretty sure lesbians are in this year."

"You're a lesbian?" She turns to me in shock. "Wait," her expression changed, "that actually makes sense."

"Excuse me?" I scoff. "I wasn't wondering for myself. What do you mean that makes sense?"

"Well, you have always had a preference for pretty girls. I figured it was due to your vanity, but if you're-"

"I'm not," I say sternly, "you wish."

She pulls a tiny, dull necklace out of her shirt as if it means something. "Boyfriend."

"So you keep saying. I wouldn't be surprised if he was your cover story."

"You caught me. Leo is a cover story for my wavering sexuality. It's a good thing you're so open-minded," she says sarcastically. "I'd hate for you to think having a gay friend is like having the newest Chanel purse."

"I don't think of her like that."

"Lesbians are in this year, right?" She mocks. "Could've fooled me."

"Anything could fool you, so easily roused."

"On second thought, you're right. It doesn't look like you need any help."

"I want fog on the ground, but glitz above. So get me the machine, and get me the chandelier."

"With glass hearts?" The decorator makes a note of it.

I start to nod but get sidetracked by the door opening.

"Oh, my god!" Elizabeth runs up to hug some guy that walked in like he owned the place. The nerve he has...

"Red ones," I finally answer so I can go back to watching the new stranger with Elizabeth.

He picks her up and spins her, their dizzy smiles and her legs latched onto him.

The decorator clears his throat, "And champagne trays, Mr. Carey?"

"Large glasses..." I mutter.

They're still holding onto each other. Who the hell is that, Elizabeth?

"Also, you mentioned lighting-"

"Would you excuse me for a second? I need to fire my security," I politely smile at the unsuspecting man before turning around and shooting daggers at the happy couple. They don't even notice me walking up. "Who are you?"

"Aye, what's up, dude? I'm Tom. Nice set up," he nods in greeting.

"Thanks, dude."

"Tom used to work here with me," Elizabeth explains.

"Lizzy would make the best flaming cocktails," Tom laughed heartily, "you should've seen it, after hours she was just sliding them down the bar-"

"So, why are you here? Do you want a job or something?" I raise an eyebrow. "Since Lizzy quit, I've been down a stripper."

"...What?"

"Ethan," she hissed.

"I suppose you're right. If Tom takes his clothes off, the customers will leave."

"My...my clothes?"

"It was nice chatting, but I have to get back to work," I clasp my hands together, "After all, I own this place. I have a career, no time to walk down memory lane with unemployed bartenders. You know your way out."

He says nothing, he makes no facial expression, no attempt at a rebuttal. He's nothing in comparison to me, Elizabeth.

"Could you wait here for a second?" I hear her tell him as I'm walking off. I can feel her presence closing-in behind me, but I ignore it...until I'm shoved— lightly, but shoved nonetheless. "What was that?" She asks harshly.

I shoot her an annoyed glare. "Elizabeth, if you and the guy you had your legs wrapped around want to go out for lunch, you'll have to wait until your break, and don't push me."

She pushes me again, "Why are you being so rude?"

"Were you this violent when you were dating him?"

"That cannot be what you're mad about," Elizabeth rolls her eyes. "It's not any of your business who I've had a relationship with."

"If you're still that close after the break-up, then you still have a taste for each other. So, go and get him, Lizzy, fetch. You have my blessing."

"You're currently dating, but you have an issue with who I might have dated?"

"Currently dating," I scoff. "I got asked to accompany a girl I barely know for a couple of hours. You care all of a sudden?" She huffs and gazed elsewhere as if the question was rhetorical. "You're forgetting I kissed you, and not once since then have you done anything to show that you'd want me to do it again."

"And this is how you react?"

"No, Elizabeth. This is how I react." I turn away from her and head straight out of the door.

"Thanks for the ride," Leo says as he backs me against the wall.

"I'm so proud of you," I put my hands on his face, and he smiles before kissing me.

He was so excited to show me his score, it was the cutest thing seeing him feel so accomplished and happy over this— I bought him ice cream and kissed him in the backseat of the car until my driver came back from his break.

"I'll meet you at your place tomorrow? We'll leave from there?"

"Are you sure you're going to be able to go?"

"Oh, yeah. I got a 'B,' and she still feels bad about getting mad at me the other day. I bought myself one night."

"Okay," I take the tickets out of my bag, "here, for your friends."

He furrows his eyebrows, "you bought all of these?"

"...bought?"

"Heather Blakely," Leo smirks, "a petty thief?"

I sigh, "I would've bought them, but Audrey was being such a-"

"Bitch?"

"Yes, so I just took them. She won't even notice."

He leans in, his lips hovering over mine, "Bad butterfly," we connect and I hum happily against his mouth, his hand dragging up the side of my body.

"...there are bedrooms for this."

I pull away from him to see who's speaking.

"Shut up, Zach," Leo says in sheer recognition of his voice, and then puts his lips against my skin.

"Hi, Zach," I say and try to get Leo off of me.

"Hey, Heather."

"I have to go upstairs now," Leo sighs. "Get home safe, okay?"

"Okay," he gives me one last kiss.

Zach shakes his head, "But if you leave now, you won't be able to make out for hours and forget to eat and then eventually turn to cannibalism."

"Bye, kid," Leo ruffles his hair.

"A day alone, only that would be torture..." Zach says in a high pitched voice, and Leo furrows his eyebrows instead of responding."...Or whatever Morticia said."

I laugh lightly, "that sounds accurate."

"I know, but he's a terrible stage partner," he motions toward where Leo went and rolls his eyes.

"I haven't seen you here in a while."

"That's because you and Leo became a couple and now you don't come up for air unless you have to."

I smirk, "we're up for air most of the time."

"Sure, that's what Leo says," Zach replies sarcastically.

"What does he say?"

"Not much to me because he thinks I'm too young. But, I bet he's been using moves he learned in those movies on you."

"I wouldn't know, he won't show me the...films you mentioned."

"They're under his bed. He hid them in cases for scary movies."

I laugh, "of course, he did."

"Zach?" Peyton calls from the top of the stairs.

"What?"

"Mom said not to go far. Dinner is almost done."

"Well, I'm right here," he shrugs.

She doesn't leave, instead, she sets her sights on me and starts down the stairs.

"You're Leo's girl."

"I am." And it will stay that way.

Peyton smiles, "you're really cute, you know that?"

"Thank you, so are you."

"We look nothing alike though," she patronizes, "I guess Leo doesn't have a type...or maybe he does and one of us was the exception."

"Interesting theory." I almost roll my eyes. Why do you feel the need to mention that he's attracted to you?

"It is," she nods, "because is it better to be the one that's so great he broke his rules, or is it better to be his usual order? And, I don't mean just for him, but in general."

"In general," I hold back a scowl, "right."

Zach's eyes keep shifting toward me worriedly as if he's afraid I'll break and cause a scene. I won't.

"I guess types are twisted, huh? No point in trying to figure out which one of us fits into a box." She puts her hands on her hips, "we both made the cut."

"No, Leo has a type," Zach speaks up while looking at his sister. "He likes pretty girls, and you were the exception."

Peyton hits him on the back of his head. "Get in the house," she shoves him in the direction of the stairs.

"Ow— bye, Heather."

"It was nice meeting you again," she says to me, and I get the impression it's halfhearted.

"Sure," I look past her, "goodbye, Zach."