Eight

Opal's Point of view

I sat close by Grayson on the bus. He actually is holding my hand. At first, I was nervous, but now it's comforting.

"Are you ready for exams?" he asks.

"I hope." I smile.

"You're the smartest girl in school. You are ready," he tells me.

"You mean dorkiest."

" Whatever," he laughs, kissing me on the cheek. I place my hand on my cheek. I really like Grayson.

I notice Richard was writing. I wonder what he was working on.

"Now that's a dork," Grayson laughs.

"No, he's not." I feel myself getting defensive.

I feel Grayson's hand on my leg. "Chill, I was just joking," he says.

I nod.

"I love how you stick up for your friend," he smiles.

I smile too. I feel his arm around me, pulling me in closer to his body. I lay my hand on his shoulder.

"I have always had a thing for you," he remarks.

Me really. I am a nobody. "I didn't notice."

"Oh," he says, kissing my neck. It makes me jump. Grayson laughs.