Alan's pov

I groaned pinching my temples and sat up holding my head. Events flashed through my mind and I blinked shaking my head. Most of the events was filled with messages. I placed my hand down and felt something warm. I glanced down to see my phone. Guess I stayed up using it too long, not to mention it was on the charger the whole time. I took my phone off the charger so it could cool down somewhat and turned it on.

My face slowly got hotter like I was directly under the sun. I scrolled through my messages of last night. I glanced around to find empty cans lying around and cursed under my breath softly. I looked back at my phone biting my lip.

I fucking sext with Bob! I can't even be serious with saying that in my head with his "name." Ugh what am I going to do?

I groaned getting out of bed and walked over to my drawer grabbing out new boxers. I opened my closet pulling out a shirt and some jeans before throwing all on my bed. I went to the bathroom and took a quick shower before getting dressed.

And Bob so happens to probably know me. I sighed as I fixed my hair while going down the stairs. Won't things be awkward if he knows me and possibly comes up to me? Well...it's not like I know him. I walked into the kitchen huffing. Maybe I should stop thinking about this. I started making myself some cereal to get my mind off it. But it didn't work.. my O's some how spelled BOB in my cereal bowl. Or maybe I'm just going crazy... Yep, probably the second one.

"Morning." I heard and glanced up to see my mom in a dark red robe with her curly hair everywhere as she walked into the kitchen like a zombie.

"Uh...morning, how was work?" I asked as she went over to the coffee machine.

"Same as always." she yawned making a mug of coffee as I got up putting my bowl and spoon in the sink.

"Well I'm gonna head to school, see you mom." I said grabbing my backpack.

"Be good at school sweetie." she yawned as I ran out the kitchen then out the front door.

As I got to the bus stop the bus was just now coming on over. Some others and I got on once the doors swung open. I looked around to find an open seat before glancing at the seat I sat on yesterday with that one kid. He wasn't there, he wasn't anywhere on this bus. I blinked then turned to see if maybe he was just now getting on the bus but the doors were closed. I faced forward again before shrugging and went on over to the open seat.

A thought crossed my mind making me giddy. Maybe Stacie could sit next to me today. But that meant making sure no one tried to sit next to me. I out my backpack right next to me and whenever a student who didn't have a seat even looked my way I made an obnoxious noise. I so happen to have made that noise like maybe several times and of course the seventh time I made the noise Stacie came onto the bus glancing right at me. I quickly shut right up and ducked down feeling my cheeks get hot. Embarrasssiiinngg... I grumbled to myself for embarrassing myself as I glanced up to find her right next to me.

"Hey." she said laughing and I sat up quickly.

"He-Hey." I glanced at my backpack quickly then pushed it onto the floor. "Um you can sit here if you want?" I said and she smiled.

"Thanks." she said sitting down right next to me.

It was like most of the oxygen had left a box I was in. I sucked in a breath looking forward. I didn't know what to do next or what to say or if I should say anything at all. I had got her to sit next to me, that was a good big step...right?

"Are you okay? Your face is getting red." she said looking at me with concern as she placed her hand on mine.

I literally jumped almost hitting my head against the ceiling- well that was if I was taller. But it could have happened! I'm pretty much an average height. I also realized I wasn't breathing, which added on to my embarssment and probably my red face.

"Sor-Sorry I'm fine." I laughed slightly rubbing the back of my neck with the hand she was touching and it was now burning from her touch.

"Oh..okay." she gave me a gentle smile which was like an arrow directly into my heart, I didn't want this moment to ever end but somehow we got to school faster than usual. Of course of all days.

I got my backpack and Stacie stepped off the bus before me. She waved to me before walking off to probably go with her friends. I stepped off the bus and looked around for my friends. That's when what happened yesterday replayed...telling me I would probably not be able to be around both of them without the two fighting or being quiet.

I decided I'd just be alone today but as soon as I turned to head to the stairs I bumped into a chest. I looked up then quickly took a few steps back. It was none other than Duke. His eyes snapped down at me, he looked like he was about to snarl. I realized I was holding my breath as he stared down at me and I stared more at his chest then his eyes.

"Watch it pal." he grinned and I gulped nodding slowly.

"Sorry Duke, I'll be heading inside now." I laughed slightly heading to the stairs again but stopped in my tracks when I heard him whistle.

Normally I would have just walked inside thinking he was just whistling. Or it was just some girl. But I had a bad feeling. And it wasn't just any girl. I turned and saw him eyeballing my Stacie.

•°•°•°•

All throughout my classes to lunch I was sucked in on how to get Duke not to like Stacie. Time was moving and I wasn't really noticing. But what I did know is that I needed a plan. I liked Stacie. He couldn't like her...if he does....she'll be his. And I can't have that! I'm suppose to have her! And I will! No more chickening out Alan!

I nodded to myself while eating cereal, since today was breakfast food day for lunch. It always helped my mood for the rest of the day for high school.

"Hi Alan." I heard the familiar voice say as I felt a hand graze my back.

I coughed hard spitting milk. I quickly wiped my mouth feeling my face grow slightly hot as people looked at me. I turned to see Stacie wave smiling and I didn't wave back. The voice and touch had came from Stacie. Which I kind of figured if you could tell by me coughing. She turned away as soon as I tried to mutter out a word. I grumbled turning back to the table to look at my mess. I began to grumble again as I used one of my napkins to clean the mess before getting up to throw away my trash.

Since I still had some free time at lunch I pulled out my phone and went to notes. I could type up my plan so I could remember it. I know Duke kind of and Stacie isn't really his type. She's cute...hot...smart......Oh shit she might be his type! What is his type?! Ugh I don't know Duke that well. I should get to know him...yeah. And maybe get him to like another girl. Set him up with the girl too. Then Stacie will be mine...well not exactly but at least he won't like her! Perfect plan! I typed this all down so I wouldn't forget and saved it as the bell rung.

I quickly got up and headed to class. With my plan made the outside started coming back to me. Where was Kaden? And where was Landon? And did I see that one kid or is he missing too? The other two I could call and text to figure out. Which I'd do that probably at the end of the day if I don't see them to my way to and from class or in class.

I entered the class looking around for my friends. But I was a bit early to class so of course they probably wouldn't be in here. Well maybe Kaden but he wasn't. I found my seat and sat down glancing at the door every time I heard talking, laughter, or any noise really especially if it came closer to the classroom. And so far every time I looked I got that feeling of disappointment. I glanced at the teacher, half of me wanting to ask her if they were absent.

And if she knew then why? Were they absent all day? Did I miss them when I was focusing on Stacie? Am I...a bad friend? I shook my head to stay focus on the main situation. Can't think about Stacie right now. But going back to being focused made me realize even if I did ask her about them she wouldn't tell me most likely. And as the bell rung they didn't run in class and they didn't come in when the bell to let out was either.