Grace's POV
Biotechnology is uneventful, because Mr.Dawson talks a lot. Like a lot. He's fun though. Since he's so young and we're seniors, he told us to call him Rian. It's kind of nice to have a really chill teacher like that.

Alex. Alex Gaskarth. That's the kid that was following me. No wonder I didn't recognize him, he's new here. From Baltimore. Huh, that's weird. Most people would move OUT of Nowhere, Pennsylvania to a big city like Baltimore.

Not that I was paying attention to him or anything because I don't think he's cute and he totally hasn't been looking at me at all.

The next few days go by, rather uninteresting. Then it's time for clubs to start, so I get excited. Science Olympiad, back again. It's really my favorite thing in the world. So one morning I get to biotech a little early to talk to Rian about the team.

"Sorry, Grace. We can't do it this year. We're one person short to have a team."

He's kidding, right? It's my senior year! It wouldn't be right without Science Olympiad!!!!!!!

"What if I could convince someone good to join?" What am I even saying? I don't know anyone, and I'm too shy to ask anyone. Besides, the only person decent enough would be Alex. But I've determined his type, and I know I have to stay far away.

"Well if you could do that then it would be fine."

"Alright, I'll get someone by the end of the day. Thanks Rian."

"It's no problem Grace."

I turn around and practically run into Matt who just sneers and pushes past me. Whatever, asshole. Unfortunately, it causes my books to drop. To my surprise, someone stoops down and helps me clean it up. It's Alex.

"Uh, thanks Alex."

"Sure no problem Grace. Hey, Matt. I think you owe Grace an apology."

Where's Rian? Why isn't he in the room? Oh god, this is not good. Is Alex sticking up for me? Oh what in the hell....

"I don't owe that dumb, fat, bitch anything, Gaskarth." His words sting, and I run out of the room. To my secret place. I hear Alex curse Matt out, and then footsteps following me. No. No one is allowed to see this. I run faster, but so does Alex. Damn him being so tall.

"Woah, Grace. What is this place?"

"It's nothing, Alex. Did you need something? Thanks for helping me pick up my stuff and yelling at Matt. But don't waste your breath. He's just an idiot."

"I - I just wanted to talk to you. And it's not okay. No one deserves to be treated like that, ever."

What? Why would he want to talk to me? "Well, thanks. I actually wanted to talk to you too." Who is this talking to him? It's certainly not me, I could never just have a conversation with Alex Gaskarth.

"Cool. So what did you wanna talk about?"

"Well, I was wondering if you'd be in this one club. It means a lot to me. It's called Science Olympiad, and it's just like the title. You have to compete in all of these different science-based events. But we're one person short, and I know you're really smart, so I was wondering if you'd join."

"Of course! I was captain on my team in Baltimore. I didn't realize you had it here. Why do you need me though?

"We're one person short for a full team. Thanks!"

"No problem. Hey we should probably head to class now...."

Crap, he's right. The late bell's about to ring. We sprint back, laughing like crazy, barely getting in the door.

"Nice of you to join us, guys." Said Rian.

"Sorry Rian," I said, "but for the good news Alex said he'd be on S.O.!!!"

"Awesome. Now lab time. For partners, Alex you'll be working with Marie, and you'll be working with Matt, Grace."

Just when life seemed so good.....

Notes

Aw, shit's going down.
Thank you so much to the people commenting, rating, and subscribing! You reading means a lot to me :)
Special thanks to:
gamble with desire.
and
Britt
for being awesome.