1 NICE GUY REJECTED AGAIN

NICE GUY FACING REJECTION AGAIN

{Part 1}

16 year old Stewart (Stew for short) James was stuttering profusely while facing the girl he was so desperate to ask out on a date . She on the other hand was looking at him as though he had ask her to go dancing in a grave yard or something by her expression on her face. Stew knew that she had just recently broke up with her boyfriend of 6 months, he knew if he didn't make an attempt he would lose his opportunity to have a chance with her. Admittedly it had taken him a week to build up the courage to ask her because of his shyness and his lack of self esteem .

The girl in question is Judy Williams, probably about one of the prettier girls in his school and she was popular. Judy Had naturally blonde hair and deep blue-green eyes , 5'7" , with a very good figure , she also was 16 years of age and in many of his classes at school. However , Judy liked the bad boys attitude in the guys she dated however which meant most likely ,and did , that he wouldn't stand a chance with her ,but he had to try anyways.

"Ewwww... get away from me you creep there's no way on Earth I'd ever date you!" she said rather loudly to were others in the school hallway could hear her.

Stew's face fell as she said this and her words stung , she didn't seem to care that her words were said in a hurtful way. His faced turned really red with embarrassment because of the number of people in the hallway that started snikering because of the harsh and brutal rejection he'd just receive. Stew turned and walked away hurriedly because of it , but not before he heard Judy say to those in the hallway, "Did, you hear what that freak just ask me ,as if I'd ever date someone like him."

Stew was so embarrassed he knew he had to find someplace quick to get out of the starring eyes of other students that where in the hallway at the time so he almost ran to the boys restroom and ducked in . After entering the boys room he looked in the mirrors above the sinks . His face looked sad , matter of fact very sad , because of the rejection he had just received. His hair was sandy blonde and somewhat long almost to long according to school dress code . His eyes were sort of a silver gray color with a tinge of blue . His face was tanned as well as most of the rest of him because during the summer months he made his spending money mowing peoples lawn in his community. Admittedly he wasn't jock material because he was thin and lanky 6 footer. No special skills other than he was very smart and had a good head on his shoulders. Yes, by many he was considered to be a nerdy geek because of it. However today's rejection by Judy wasn't the first he's ever received . However they were far and in between each other since about the 4th grade. One very physical ,several harsh but not as harsh and insensitive as today's .

Stew didn't understand why this happened to him every time but today's rejection sort of made him somewhat bitter. This deepened his shyness even more and he withdrew into it as a means of protection of sorts. Stew, realized he'd have to go to class because lunch hour (well 45 minutes actually) was just about over. He also knew that the rest of the day with Judy being in each of his classes was going to be

torture. Stew walked into science class just as the final bell rang before class was to begin , which at that time about half the class busted out in snikering and pointing at him (the teacher hadn't come in yet) he glanced over at Judy and she had a very cruel looking smirk on her face. Stew was just about to do a about face and leave the class when Mrs. Claire Hart the science teacher walked into the classroom. "Okay students please take your seats please ..." Mrs. Hart noticed Stew still standing acting somewhat peculiar , Stew walk over to her desk and whispered , "Mrs. Hart I'm not feeling very well can I go to the nurses office please?" Mrs. Hart looked at Stew knowing that science was one of his favorite classes and he wouldn't knowingly ditch the class if he was able to stay ,however their did seem to be something the matter with him she just couldn't put a finger on it. Mrs. Hart wrote out a hall pass to the nurses office for him and let him leave. However not before some snickering and, "coughing loser cough cough", before he could get out the door. He did go to the nurses office and told her he wasn't feeling well and if he could lie down . About 2:15 he ask the nurse if he could go home because school would let out at 2:30 and he wanted to be out of there before anyone else could make his day worse than it was at present. After all it was Friday and a weekend was here and maybe by Monday this would be all over with hopefully. (an: do you really believe that lol)

Stew ran out to the schools parking lot and climbed into his 2002 Volkswagen Beetle Bug (an: yeah I know not the most luxurious of vehicles or powerful as some of his other classmates,or as new) but it was all his and totally paid for. The thoughts of what happened at lunch break kept haunting his mind as he drove home. Which almost had him have an accident but he managed to advert it with the driver of the other vehicle shaking their fist at him out their window at him. 10 minutes after this however Stew pulled up into his house ,parked his Beetle in the driveway . Tears were starting to form in Stew's eyes as he approached his front door and by the time he was inside he was weeping. ( an: Okay ,i know some of you think this is pathetic but Stew {or rather I/Stew} read a medical article on man's heath issues , which stated that men that didn't release their frustrations by crying died earlier than men that did cry. The article stated that even if the men cried in private they were better off physically and mentally than if they didn't. Which the article stated one reason why a larger portion of women live longer than men on an average . Ha, betcha all didn't know that one huh!)

Stew's parents weren't home yet they wouldn't be home until about 5:30 or 6 that evening . They both worked at a research facility developing new computer technology devices ( an: hence, Stews apparent

scholastic abilities in his classes. Stew by the way is a straight "A" student in all his classes, well except for maybe physical ed. he had a "C+" average.)

Stew set his book bag down as he entered the door on the little table located by the door, as he did so he leaned against the wall next to it an slumped down to the floor as he began weeping harder. True he didn't understand girls in general and was totally clueless about them. However , did they have to be so mean and abrasive in their response to him , plus humiliate him in front of the other classmates as well.

Out of all the times Stew had built up courage to ask girls out he can only recall one that was at least somewhat nice about it but still a rejection.

FLASHBACK:

7th grade , girls name Samantha Smith , really dark brown curly hair to mid back , dark green eyes,

heart shaped face, kissable looking lips, for a 7th grader a really incredible figure . As usual Stew's shyness had kicked in and he was stuttering thru out the process of asking her for a date. At which she answered, "That's really sweet of you Stew, but I already have a boyfriend but thanks for asking." At which, she turned around and walked away without another word being said. Stew thought , [At least she didn't knee me in my privates as did Andrea near the end of 7th grade. ]

FLASHBACK:

Stew had been nervously waiting for Andrea to come out of class at lunch time , he had been trying to build up the courage to ask her out for several weeks now after hearing that she had broken up with her boyfriend 6 weeks ago. Andrea after getting her lunch from the schools canteen usually sat outside (weather permitting) and ate at one of the many picnic type tables stationed near a grouping of trees providing the shade and a small pond which the State kept stocked with fish.

Stew waited until she sat down to start eating her meal , Andrea's friends hadn't as of yet made it out of the canteen yet so he approached Andrea.

"UM... er.. Hi Andrea, Uh.. w.. would y.. you... g..g..go out on a..a.. d..date with me," Stew finally stuttered out. Andrea got up from were she was sitting with a (fake ) smile on her face ,placed her hands on his shoulders ,"Not in your wildest dreams", at which she kneed me in my lower extremities and pushed me backwards falling on my back into a wet pile of sand which surround the small pond and area . Trying not to grab or put his hands in the area were she had kneed him in he laid there in agony in a fetal position as her friends approached.

END FLASHBACK:

After sitting there for about an hour crying ,Stew finally felt cried out and felt somewhat better but still

sadden at what happened that day. By now though Stew heard his stomach growling , he got up and headed to the kitchen. The kitchen had an island bar in the center with bar stools surrounding it,which acted as the families dining table 95% of the time being they hardly ever used the dining area for what it was designed for . He opened the frig to see what he could find and saw a Cuban midnight sandwich

which he grabbed along with a Dr. Pepper (his favorite soft drink) and a partial bag of cheddar cheese chips. He left the kitchen going to the living room . Stew picks up the remote for the TV and selects the

educational channel which he always find illuminating and interesting. Stew thought if he could only get his mind off of today's happenings and onto something else he could relax . However as interesting as the program was his sub-conscience mind wouldn't exactly cooperate with him . It was like that until his parents come into the house at 6 pm .

Stew appeared to be still be sitting watching the educational channel as his parents stepped into the house, who were animatedly talking as they came in suddenly noticed Stew in front of the TV. They suddenly became quiet as they approached Stew. He was sound asleep sitting there in front of the TV set as the narrator was explaining the scene being displayed at present which was something about what Quarks were believed to be made up of. Mr. Stephen James, Stew's Father , switched off the TV as his mother Janice James shook Stew's shoulder to wake him up.

"Steward , Steward come on dear wake up."

Stew's eyes gradually focused , "Hmm.. uh,,, OK Mom" , stretching as he did so. Stew chuckled, "Ha,Ha, I guess I must of dozed off , huh."

Janice confirmed that , "Yep you were definitely sawing logs there big time there Steward." as she too started chuckling. "However Steward , your Dad and I have something we need to tell you ." At which she looked at her husband to signal him to continue where she left off.

Stew's Dad looked at him , "Steward , as you know the company were we work is an international company and Uh...ummm...well your mother and I were chosen and promoted to VP's to head up a new division within the company."

Stew's eyes lit up as he said, "That's great news Dad ,congratulations , it's about time you two were recognized for your work there all these years."

"Umm... Steward there's only one catch son." his father paused momentarily , "We have to move."

"Move... to where Dad?" Stew inquired.

"Well son we weren't exactly sure how you were going to respond to the news and all seeing as its your sophomore year in high school and all. However to answer your question we'll be moving to Ft. Lauderdale , Florida."

"So when are we leaving Dad?"

"Well … by next weekend ,so Monday will most likely be your last day at school. Mostly though to pick up your scholastic records from the schools office and any personal effects you may have at the school. Oh yeah, turn in any school books that belong to the school that may be necessary , and to say good bye to any of your friends if need be." Mr. James said.

"Yeah ,yeah, Roger Wilco on all that Dad." Stew turned around and started walking towards his

bedroom saying as he rolled his eyes, " I've already eaten dinner so I'm going to do my homework and then turn in for the night Mom and Dad ,Okay."

Stew's room was just passed were he laid his book bag near the front door so as he passed it he picked it up and marched into his room from there. Stew thought to himself ,{It seems like Monday at school shouldn't be to bad ,i should be home before 2nd period even starts. } Stew chuckled to himself dryly,{how does someone say goodbye to friends when he has none?}

As hard as it was to ask a girl out it seemed even harder to even have or make friends because of his shyness and low self esteem. Stew was basically a loner ,everything he did from school projects to things just around the house at home he did alone.

EARLY MONDAY MORNING:

Beep...beep...beep...beep...

Stew rolled slowly and groggily over in his bed slapped at the alarm clock missing it several times before he actual hit the button to turn it off.

"Oh God, I got to get ready for school …... uh... ha...ha... I forgot today's my last day... ha..ha..." (yeah he sort of talks to himself ...what...you mean we all don't ?)

Stew rolled out of bed and padded to the bathroom, he started the shower and allowed the water to get hot and climbed in .

Shortly about 5 minutes latter he was ready and dressed . On his way out the door he grabbed a toaster pop up and a bottle of life water as he headed towards his beetle bug.

Stew left his house on his way to school somewhat earlier than normal, and as usual walking with down cast eyes not really paying much attention were he was walking . Out of the corner of his eyes he saw something green colored trapped under a bush. Bending down to get a better look at what he was looking at he found a $50.00 dollar bill . 'What a lucky day for me, ' Stew thought. 'Imagine if I hadn't have been looking down at the ground I might have passed that up and not have known it.'

(a/n: a single [ ' ] represents Stew's personal thoughts and [ " ] represents Stew says to others)

Stew picked up the money and stuffed it in his pants pocket and continued walking towards the school.

Stew as suspected got to the school 20 minutes early and headed to his locker to clean it out . Then he proceeded towards the school office . Mrs. Glick the schools secretary was at her desk doing something as he walked in.

"What can I do for you young man?" Mrs. Glick ask.

"I believe my parents called about having my school files ready so that I could pick them up. We're moving soon and I'll need them to give to the new school system." he said.

""Whats your name so I can look them up?" Mrs. Glick responded.

"Steward James , Mrs. Glick." Stew stated.

"So where are you moving to Mr. James?" She inquired.

"My dad says somewhere in Fort Lauderdale ,Florida , Mam." Stew answered.

"That's a good distance away , so when are you leaving ?" She inquired.

" My dad says sometime this week but probably by this weekend for sure." Stew quipped.

"Hmmmm... Steward I'm having some problems with my computer can you come back in about an hour , hopefully by then I should have the problem with the computer solved and I should have your transfer papers ready by then." And good luck at your new school where ever that may be in Fort Lauderdale ."

"Uh...Hmm... I was sort of hoping I could be home before then but I guess I have no choice." Stew

muttered under his breath as he left the office. "I'll be back in an hour then he said more pronounced as

so Mrs. Glick could hear him and hoping she hadn't heard his mutterings from before.

Stew stepped into the hallway and at present more and more of the student body was filling the hallways. What was the probabilities of this happening to him , who did he see facing him none other than Judy Williams. Hopefully he could get through the next hour unscathed by her and her friends without being to badly ripped to shreds by their words . NO such luck though, upon seeing him she looked at him and smirked wickedly at him as though she wouldn't let what happened Friday just die . Stew felt she was going to work the humiliation as far as she could with him. UH,oh... she started walking towards him with her posse following behind her.

"Well, if it isn't the freak who thought he could ask me out Friday last, did you have a good cry?" she asked while chuckling as her posse followed suite.

I was trying to ignore her but she and her posse wouldn't let me side step them to get around them to leave.

"If you must know 'NO' i didn't ." as I lied through my teeth to her , but i think my heated blush betrayed my statement however.

"Your a poor liar to boot your a pathetic worthless piece of crap" she said vividly and loudly to all in the hallway at the time.

"OK, OK, you've made your point already just leave me be ,besides as of today you won't have me to dump on anyways..." I said angrily .

At which because of my anger I shoved my way finally through her posse of followers . I guess my statement that i wasn't going to be around much longer must have shocked them some. even though i wasn't a socially acceptable person in school many of these people would ask me to help them on or with their homework. Because i was a straight "A" student after all, sometimes with the bullies it was at times forced helped though. A stimulating thought on my part was who were they planning on getting to help them now that i was leaving this hunky dory of a freaking school.

The 1st tardy bell rang and many of the students started scattering to go to classes. At which I walked outside and sat at one of the picnic tables by the pond. I figured I didn't need to stay inside because its was nicer outside . an hour latter I went back to the administrative principles office to see if Mrs. Glick had my paper work done yet.

I opened the door and spoke to Mrs. Glick asking her ,

" Mrs. Glick , I've come to see if you had your computer up and running yet ,also to see if you've had a chance at getting my papers ready?"

"As a matter of fact Mr. James i do." she blandly stated as she passed my transfer papers to me.

"Thank you Mrs. Glick , i really appreciate you getting this ready for me" i excitedly proclaimed as i was heading out the door.

several hours latter

Steward was standing in his room looking at all the boxes he had gathered since leaving school this morning from all the stores he went to . He must have had over 40 varying sized boxes to pack his belongings in. Stew, had to admit to himself he was a bit of a pack rat of sorts. he didn't like throwing away anything if it seemed like it might be useful in the future. Something his parents didn't appreciate much because his room 'was a disaster area' according to his parents as they jokingly proclaimed to him.

Slowly but surely over the next several days Stew had just about everything packed except for the essentials he'd need up till the day of departure . Stew's dad on Thursday evening went to United Trailer Rentals to rent a moving truck so they could start loading it, Friday and be ready to leave early Saturday morning for ,Florida. Subconsciously Stew was getting excited but also dreading the approaching day and move to Florida. His thoughts were centered around the new school situation and how things might go there. Stew was hoping that things would be better there than what they were at his soon to be old school was, yet he felt that most likely they wouldn't be.

Sunday afternoon of the weekend of the move

Stew's parents had already, with the companies help , had a house rented in a very nice suburb of Ft. Lauderdale near the companies new offices were at to make it convenient for them . So as they pulled up to the new house Stew's jaws dropped significantly . He knew his parents had been promoted but just didn't grasp that with it the amount a prestige and monetary income came with it. Not that his parents were poor or anything but it just wasn't what he was used to so to speak.

It had been a busy day Friday loading the moving van with all their things to leave by early Saturday morning for the trip to Ft. lauderdale. And it seemed as though it was a continuous stream of items going into to the van and never ending at that.

Saturday morning finally arrived and the long trek to Florida began . Stew, was awake for most of the trip except for several hours just before they pulled up to their new residence in Florida.

His mom woke him up, "Come on Steward wake up were here..."

"Huhmmm ,wha...what ...hmmm what you say mom" , Stew mumbled as he was waking up. Stew was laying down his head in his mothers lap . He stretched and yawned loudly... "Steward was that called for", his mom said somewhat laughing.

Slowly Stew sat up and began looking around , Stew's jaws dropped significantly . He knew his parents had been promoted but just didn't grasp that with it the amount a prestige and monetary income came with it. Not that his parents were poor or anything but it just wasn't what he was used to so to speak. There before him stood a very large looking mansion type house. Very white stone looking building with pillars at least 30 feet high. IT appeared to be at least 3 stories high and looked intimidating just sitting there. Stew looked to the front of the building and saw a huge garden type yard in front spreading out to the road in front of it.

"WOW," muttered Stew, "This is some place mom," with his face looking on in awe. "So ,this is were we'll be living now?" stew ask.

"Yes sweet heart it will be." she stated.

"So , how many bedrooms and such does it have mom?" Stew ask.

"I believe the Realtor said there were 6 bedrooms and 8 baths two of which are just half baths though,"

she answered.

"How come so many bedrooms there's only 3 of us?" Stew questioned. About that time his dad walked in as he asked the question.

"Well stew now that your mother and I are both VP's in the company we may at times need to put prospective clients up for several days during important business meetings or if we wanted to invite friends or family in for the holidays we can now do it ." he stated.

"Which one is mine ?" Stew asked.

Laughing both his parents just said at the same time. "Just pick one,"

then his father said, "There's 2 downstairs and 2 in each of the upper floors."

Stew looked at his parents , "That's not why I'm asking MOM,DAD...I just don't want to pick one that you might want is all." Stew quipped.

Stew's Dad shrugged , "It really doesn't matter son, just look into one and you'll see why because their all the same size.

Stew ran up the stairs to the top floor because he always wanted a room with an upper view to look out over were he lived and now he was going to get his chance. Not only did this place have a stairwell to get to each floor but a large elevator as well. "Good ,now I don't have to lug all those heavy boxes up here via the stairs ." Stew thought.

Upon reaching the upper floor there was a huge area between 2 door openings one on each side of the hall. "This can't be right this house is to large to just have 2 bedrooms per floor."

Stew proceeded to open one of the doors. His mouth dropped open as soon as he did though each room it appeared to be a suite of rooms. One huge bedroom with wings off from it . A section acted as a kitchen another was like a huge living room another was a rather large looking den like room . The bedroom had a walk in closet as large it seemed as the bedroom itself. After some more exploring he found that the front of the house had a balcony which was only partially covered while the back of the house of his bedroom had a completely enclosed balcony .

Stew muttered to himself, "Well no time like the present to get things started."

4 hours latter Stew had everything that he brought with him out of the moving van in his room and it didn't even scratch the surface as far as making a dent in the room as far as making it look like there was something in it. Everything from his old bedroom and his storage room above the garage was now here with room to spare. Most of it was in the walk in closet though in boxes and as far as having the number of clothing to fill such a space was inconceivable to Stew that anyone would have that many clothes to start out with. The time now was 10 P.M. And Stew was starting to get sleepy and unfortunately tomorrow was his 1st day at his new school which Stew was dreading already thinking things would be exactly like they were at his old school.

1st day of school for Stew

(a/n: a brief review):

Stew finds out that he and his parents are moving , he meets and befriends at his new home a guy by the name of Kristen Lake, he's a jock at the new school but isn't stuck on himself as many of his other friends are on the team. Kristen actually likes having Stew around because of his intelligence because he puts on an act of being dumb but actually is a straight "A" student himself. He see's Stew's problems socially and starts to help him . How does Kristen's help affect Stew's life and does it help

BEEP...BEEP...BEEP...BEEP... sounded the alarm clock at 6 A.M. Monday morning. Groping around in the very early light of the morning Stews eyes were still blurry and his mind was still groggy from all the weekends activity . "Ugggg...I wish I could die right now instead of going to school and face what I know will be total disaster." went through my mind .

The main thing is I was starting someplace where I knew no one at all... at least at my old school I knew some of them even if they didn't know me or treated me poorly. Unfortunately I sat up and got ready anyways. 1 ½ hrs latter was walking out the door to be greeted by my father in our car which evidently was driven down by someone at my fathers expense for use here.

"Well Steward , are you ready for your 1st day at your new school?" my dad asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be I guess." a stated somewhat lackadaisically .

Twenty minutes latter we were pulling into East Shores High School (ESHS for short) parking lot which was extremely crowded and very active with traffic and students. Fortunately my dad had parked in front of the main office building where I had to turn in my transfer papers and be enrolled while briefly after that getting my class schedule.

Stew

Slowly got out of expensive looking car apparently drawing no particular notice because most of the others students parents or students themselves were driving just as expensive cars as my dads. Very apprehensively walked up to the front doors of the office building and through them with a multitude of students going to and fro in the hallways.

Stew looked around the hall way and finally saw the sign that said main office and headed towards it.

At a very long desk Stew saw an amazing looking girl who, " May I help you?" she ask.

"UM... er... ya ,i guess so …. ummmm my name is uh.. Stewart James , I'm uh.. new .. transfer student here. I um.. sort of need to um.. get enrolled and stuff."Stuttered out while hemming and hawing while doing so.

Stew found out latter this stunning looking girl was one of the most popular cheerleaders in the school by the name of Starla Veronica Hart whom many of her friends called Roni.

"Do you have your transfer papers with you ?" she ask Stew.

"UM... ah.." , while searching thru his book bag..., "Ah, yes ,er..hmmm. Here its is ." which he then passed to her somewhat red faced he new he was already starting out on the wrong foot here especially in front of this very pretty girl. She took the paper from him and ,"if you'll sit down over there," while

pointing at a very comfortable looking couch chair, "I'll see if I can get you into the counselor office while I process you in and get your schedule ready as soon as your councilor finishes with you."

I sat on the couch for about 5 minutes when a 30 something looking woman came over to me and said,

"So your Stewart James I hear? My names is Mrs. Roberts I'll be your guidance councilor during your stay here at East Coast High School. Can you follow me to my office and we'll get you settled here at ESHS. 45 minutes latter Stew was finally finishing up with Mrs. Roberts.

"Stewart I see by your transcript that your an above average student in all your classes would there be a possibility that I could prevail upon you at some time to Tutor other students if need be." Mrs. Roberts ask.

"Um... er... I um.. suppose so.. um … but um.. just to let you know ah... I've um.. never done it before."

Stewart stuttered out.

Mrs. Roberts chuckled lowly , " Well , I don't think that should be a major problem for you here , you should be able to figure out a way to approach the subject that would make it interesting enough that it might help them improve ." "Please take this paper work to Starla Hart out in the front office , she's the one you were gawking at before you came in here."

Stews face immediately went beet red , " Oh my God did she actually see me starring at her well least ways I know what her name is now." Stew thought.

"Um... ah... Mrs. Roberts told me to give this um... paper work to you ummm... so I could get my schedule." Stew mumbled out while stuttering at the same time while his face was beet red again.

Starla looked over his schedule after it was printed out, " It looks as though your in all the AP classes here and your also in many of the same classes I am as well , good luck I hope you have a great time here at ESHS," While smiling a bright looking smile at Stewart. She handed his schedule to him and he looked it over. "Um.. Ms. um.. could you tell me how to get to this next class I'm not familiar with the school lay out yet and um... how soon is the next class um... anyways.

As though on cue the bell range for period ending , Starla quipped , " If you'll hold a second I'll walk you there myself seeing for the rest of the day your in all my classes."

"UM... thanks ," Stew muttered.

Starla gathered up her book bag and her purse and looked at Stew, " Follow me, "AP Computer Science" is this way, she stated.

Stew didn't know how to act or even if he should say anything to this stunning girl that he was walking next to so he just nodded and followed after her (or rather beside her).

"Here we are this is Mr. Langley's class he's a very good teacher ,however you may need to wait to give him your class schedule intro paper work ," she chuckled , "He's not know for being on time , it'll only be a few minutes though."

Stew glanced around the room and saw several desks not used , "Um... is .. there a..a.. sitting order

here?" Stew stuttered out with a slight blush reaching his cheeks as he ask Starla.

"No, no particular sitting order in here just pick a desk and sit down." Starla said.

After saying this Starla walked over to several other girls (which he latter found out were on her cheer squad) and began chatting excitedly as girls will do. About this time 2 guys entered the room . One a rather bulky 6 footer , black hair , brown eyes light tanned skin whose name was Walker Smith (which latter on Stew discovered was a Half Back for the schools football team. The other guy (which will become Stew's best friend and wing man) , Kristen Lake... 6' 2" blond hair ,blue eyes , a little more than a medium tanned skin tone ,husky well proportioned build, quarter back for the football team.

Kristen was the proverbial type guy that girls drooled over and fell over if he looked at them .

Kristen upon entering the classroom noticed the new kid who just happened to be sitting next to were he usually sat in class with Walker . Kristen noticed that this new guy was at least 6 ft. not really bad looking but he carried the body language of someone who had very little self esteem or confidence in himself. Kristen himself was a (nice guy ) but didn't let the stigma of popularity warp him to where he treated people poorly. He was the type of person to befriend anyone no matter what their high school social status was and it was one of the reasons he was so well liked in school by almost everyone. True

you can't always please everyone but Kristen didn't let the few that didn't like him sway him from being who he was.

Kristen walked over to his desk and sat down as he did he looked over at Stew, "New , here ?"

Stew had been sitting not paying much attention and just trying to be invisible just as he had been at his old school . He just didn't want what happened at his old school of being ridiculed to get started so

quickly here. So when Kristen ask his question it startled him.

"Huh,...ummm.. ya... I am , my family .. just moved here over the weekend." Stew stuttered out sheepishly.

"My names Kristen Lake , what's yours?"

"Steward James , but people just call me Stew." Stew replied back. Stew was wondering why this guy was bothering to talk to him . He had noticed how many of the girls were giving him those adoring looks as he and his friend walked into the classroom so he figured he was a popular guy and probably a jock as well , something at his old school would have not been a welcomed thing because of the bullying he received from such types. However he did take note that Kristen's demeanor didn't seem to be like those from his old school as he spoke with him.

"So have you made any friends yet so far?" Kristen ask.

"No... not really except possibly the girl that works in the school office , I think her name is Starla," at which time he gazed over at her and nodding to Kristen as to who he was referring to.

Kristen chuckled kindheartedly, "You wouldn't be the first to fall for the popular Queen Bee herself Ms. Starla Hart and head cheerleader of our school. She's a sweet girl however , but very picky as to who she'll go out with and really hasn't had any boyfriends . She does however have a large following of male friends if you know what I mean."

Stew gave Kristen a questioning confused look, " Ummm... no not sure what you mean by that exactly."

Again Kristen chuckled , "She, I suppose just looking for the right guy and at present she hasn't found him as of yet. Even though she has all these guy friends most likely that's all they'll ever be to her unless they spark something in her than to be just more than friends which it seems none of the have

so far."

"Oh, I see." Stew replied somewhat timidly.

Kristen began notice tell tale signs about Stew in general, by how his longing gaze at Starla and how he looked flustered by what he had told Stew about her, which prompted him to ask Stew, "Can I ask you a personal question with out you getting upset at me ?"

Stew wasn't sure were this guy Kristen was going with all this but he figured it would be alright. "I guess so!" Stew quietly stated back to Kristen.

"As I said ,I'm just curious because I seem to sense you don't do well with girls and seemed to be somewhat shy as well. I've also noticed by how you look at Starla that you've already seem to have a crush on her already am I right? Kristen inquired. "I've also noticed that your body language is not what girls look for in a guy." Kristen added as well.

"Huh..." Stew stupidly responded. "I...I... don't fair to well with the girls ummm.. err... and what... do you mean by my body...language thing...?" Stew stuttered out.

However before Kristen could respond Mr. Langley walked into the class room … "Students if your not already in your seats get to them , please. I was just made aware at the office that we have a new student in our mist. "Would Steward like to stand and introduce himself to the class?"

Slowly Stew started to get up but as usual his shyness kicked in and his face turned beet red and of course the most embarrassing part his stuttering as he spoke. "H...hi... my...my name is... St...Stew...Stewart Ja...James. I'm form Akron, O..Ohio... that's all I can think of now." Stew was sweating large bullet sized drops and even though he was tan he looked pale as he started to sit down in his desk chair.

Kristen was watching Steward as he was giving is introduction to the class and thought that steward looked as though he might pass out and was shaking like a leaf as well. "This guy needs a confidence boost." he thought to himself. The class continued on from that point on until the teacher ask a very perplexed question of the class which at the start seemed no one new what the answer was.

Slowly Stew raised his hand just before Mr. Langley was about to give up on getting an answer to his question . Stew was a computer geek or at least that's what others from his old school called him because he knew so much about computers and all that made them work.

"Sir , ac..actually... there is a simpler way to do that with only two mouse clicks instead of the 6 that is suggested in the study guide , its faster and gets you to the same spot in the program with less work."

Stew stuttered out.

At which he described how it was or could be accomplished. Stew blanched white and then suddenly turned red when he noted all his classmates eyes where on him. He quickly looked down at his desk wanting the floor to swallow him up , he knew before class was up that he would most likely be labeled as "THAT COMPUTER GEEK" as he had been at his old school. Stew just knew that he should have kept his mouth shut but he prided himself in the knowledge he knew what others didn't, which of course in many instances was his major down fall.

Kristen was listening to what Steward was saying and also noticing how he was presenting it (by stuttering so much). It wasn't the info that Stew gave wasn't good just that his self confidence and self esteem was so low that Kristen believed that was why he stuttered so profusely. And considering that half the class was very nice looking girls and knowing Stew already had a small crush on Starla is what probably prompted all his stuttering to start out with.

After Stew explained how to get to the program in the 2 mouse clicks Kristen found out that it was so. Just to make sure he turned to the page Stew had mentioned in the study guide and followed the 6 steps mentioned there. It took him to the same spot that the short cut did.

Kristen thought this guy is really smart on computers but how is it he's so dumb about how to relate to people ,especially girls. He needs some help and guidance and I think I can help him out there . Besides I sort of like him even though he's sort of a nerdy geek. I'll try to talk to him between now and the end of the day .

2nd thru 4th periods lapsed by pretty quickly and it was lunch before Kristen had a chance to talk to Stew.

Stew had just gotten his lunch in the lunch line ( Frito chili pie and french fries and 2 pints of milk) and started looking for a place to sit . He was thinking someplace out of the normal range but yet ,like a table nearly empty or empty. When he spotted what he thought was a good candidate for his table . He heard someone call his name.

"Hey Stew , over here!" the someone called .

Stew looked around wondering who it could be that called his name .He spotted Kristen form his class

waving him over to a table. Stew's mouth almost gaped open when he saw who he was sitting with and he knew his face was starting to color and heat up at who they were. Stew for a few seconds just stood there not moving thinking that maybe someone else was named Stew as well that Kristen knew . So Stew looked around himself to make sure that there wasn't some kind of a mistake.

"Come on Stew ,over here" Kristen called again looking directly at him.

Still not sure that it was him being spoken to he started walking slowly toward s the table thinking at the last second some other Stew would step up and sit where Kristen had indicated. (That thought was prevalent in Stews mind because it had happen to him before at his old school very embarrassing to find out after making a fool of himself believing someone had wanted him to sit with them). Finally Stew was at the table.

Kristen laughing, "Well its about time is the floor covered in thick molasses or something?"

"Umm... no just wasn't really sure you were talking to me or not" Stew said quietly.

Kristen again nodded at the seat beside him as he turned around to face the others as Stew sat down.

Kristen began, " I know you know myself and Starla over there but have you been introduced to the others here yet.?"

Feeling somewhat out of place and uneasy Stew answer was more of a nod 'no' than a verbal response because he didn't think he could respond a coherent sentence with out coming off as a complete idiot.

"Well as you know Starla Hart works in the schools office during homeroom and is also our head cheerleader for our school. Next to her on her right is Cindy Hess she's the second co-captain of the squad. Next to her right is Maryanne Mobley also on the cheer squad. To Starla's left is Willa Mead

a flier on the cheer squad, and on her left is Christina Wells another flier on the cheer squad.

On my left is Walker Smith half back who you saw me with this morning in comp science class , on his left is Chad Starnes full back. On the other side of you is Dallas Michell running lineman. Guys this is Stewart James who prefers to be called Stew however."

Stew wasn't sure or confident yet to say much other than , "Nice to meet you all."

"Do you play any kind of sports Stew?" Dallas ask.

Stew began to color red again as he answered , "No .. not really I've been told I have 2 left feet and their uncoordinated and don't seem to want to work together very well," Stew lowly chuckled to himself while the others though he was hilarious and laughed loudly.

Stew wasn't sure how he was supposed to take their laughter and he blushed again as he ducked his head down hoping they didn't see it (knowing that they probably already had). His paranoid feelings of being inferior to these others physically kicked in and without trying to seem rude made an excuse to leave the table .

"Ummm... I've got some things to do before class starts and I wanted also to find the library, um... it's quiet there and I can think."

Stew knew it was a lame excuse but on the spur of the moment its all he could think up. He gathered up his lunch waste and milk cartons and headed for the trash containers without saying much more except thanking them for allowing him to sit with them as he left.

Stew already knew where the library was he had seen it earlier , but just so you know it was one of Stew's havens because he knew that most all those at his old school very seldom if ever came into it for any reason. So the library was his sanctuary and hiding place during lunch most often just to get away even for 45 minutes to have some peace and quiet without someone being rude or mean to him. Stew wasn't sure what to think about what he had said about him and sports and the laughter after wards . He had noticed the difference in how they laughed at what he said and how someone at his old school may have reacted by laughing. Here there was no snide sarcastic smiles or laughter yet at his old school he would have not been ask to sit with the jocks or cheerleaders either. All this, was all something new for Stew and he was not used to being noticed as much by the popular people in school without it being something mean minded.

Finally the last bell off the day rang and all the students as usual was clamoring excitedly for the end of the day and ready in many cases to go home or unless they had extra curricular activities after school.

Stew found himself waiting at the front of the school for his dad to pick him up. Finally after a 10 minute wait he saw his dad pull into the school parking area .

Mr. James pulled up smiling and Stew hopped into the car as Mr. James pulled away from the curb he ask Stew, "How was your 1st day of school here son?"

"Actually Dad it was pretty good I've made a few friends and it went a lot better than I thought it would."

Mr. James looked at his son and realized that something was different Steward never said much about anyone from his old school yet it seemed as though this move was beneficial to Steward as well.

"Well Steward I have something else you'll be excited about as well , matter of fact we're on our way there now to get it."

"What's that Dad ? Stew questioningly ask his dad.

"Nope you'll have to wait till we get there." his Dad mysteriously responded back.

Stew's dad pulled in to a car lot.

"?"

"Dad , What's going on and what are we doing here ?" Stew asked.

"Well ,son ever young man needs his 1st NICE car so pick what you want and it's yours. Also it will be better than that old beetle bug you have now," his dad responded.

"Your kidding right ?" Stew stuttered out to his dad.

"No son, your mom and I were planning on getting you one anyways ,however since we got these promotions we decided money shouldn't be an option or barrier to what you wanted as a vehicle."

Stews eyes got really wide as he gazed around the car lot. He took off running through the lot so excited, "His 1st car." he thought. "WOW!"

After much consideration and multiple times through the car lot Stew finally made a decision . He had seen it earlier but wanted to make sure there wasn't anything better that he might like better. However there wasn't , it was a pimped out 1966 FORD MUSTANG, with a 289cu/in Sprint engine and high performance Transmission . It was Candy Apple Red with gold flecks through out the finish and in mint condition.

An hour latter Stew was driving his new Mustang home. LOL.. we all know that a 1966

isn't new by any means how ever the previous owner had it completely restored to almost new, so in a sense it was new to Stew..)