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It was a Monday morning and the first day of school. Andrea forgot to set her alarm and was woken by her mother 20 minutes before school was to start. She jumped out of bed and pulled a pair of her darkwash jeans onto her petite, tanned body and quickly rummaged through her closet for a teeshirt. After pulling a brush through her short brown hair, she grabbed her black converses and rushed out the door. Fortunately, her school was only a couple blocks away- easily within walking distance. She sat on the stoop, lacing up her sneakers, then picking up her backpack, she quickly started on her way to school.
By the time she walked through the front doors of the building, the hallways were empty and everyone was already in their classrooms. 'Dammmmit' she thought as she ran up the two flights of stairs to her homeroom. She reached for the doornob when all of a sudden the door flew open and she rammed right into a boy on his way to the bathroom. "Sorry love" he giggled at her. Andrea froze in place, completely captivated by his gorgeous blue eyes and welcoming smile. Since she couldnt form any words, she just smiled and walked past him, into a classroom of snickering kids. She took her seat and wondered who that boy was and why he didnt look familiar. He seemed sweet, unlike the majority of the student body at the school who were rich, stuck up and obnoxious. As the bell rang for first period, she secretly hoped she'd see more of him.
The day progressed slowly and when the bell for lunch rang, Andrea grabbed a wrinkled up dollar out of her bag and slammed her locker closed, walking towards the lunch room. She turned into the lunchroom and headed for the vending machines, deciding on a coke. She waited on line behind a tall boy with long brown hair. Too busy trying to flatten out her wrinkled up dollar, Andrea failed to notice this was the blue eyed boy she bumped into this morning on her way into homeroom. After his soda came out of the machine, he went to leave and turned right into Andrea. "Ouch!" she yelled as he knocked her off balance and she tumbled over backwards onto her bum. "Whoops. Sorry didnt see you there..... hey wait arent you the girl that ran into me this morning?" the boy said, now staring to laugh. As he offered her a hand up, she laughed too and replied "Yeaah....I'm Andrea...are you new?" As they shifted positions and Andrea began to feed her dollar bill to the machine, he told her that he was indeed new and his name was Danny. They made small talk about how Danny liked the school so far, which teachers to watch out for and compared schedules when Andrea asked if Danny would like to join her and a friend for lunch. Danny said he'd love to but wanted to find his mate Tom first. Tom and Danny went to the same old school and transfered together at the start of this year. Andrea told him to find his friend Tom and meet her and her lifelong bestfriend Dougie outside for lunch. They parted ways as Danny went to find Tom and Andrea went to join Dougie outside.
She walked outside into the warm sunlight and ran over to Dougie who was sitting underneath a big oak tree. She couldnt wait to tell him about the dreamy boy from homeroom and that he was coming to eat lunch with them.
Chapter Two.
Andrea's P.O.V.
After expecting the worst and dreading the beginning of school, I'm happy to think that this year might be better than past years. After meeting Danny, maybe this year will be more exciting and worthwhile. He seemed like someone you can easily get along with and have fun. I never fit in with alot of the kids at school before. They were spoiled, rich, and perfect at almost everything. I was a quiet klutz who had no direction in life and spent most of my time in my room or at Dougie's house blasting music or listening to him play on his bass guitars. All thoughout school, ever since we were kids, Dougie and me did everything together. He was the best friend anyone could ask for and he was just about my only friend. It didnt matter though- quality over quantity right?
As i ran over to where Dougie was sitting under the tree, he looked up from his ipod and looked a big confused. Must be because of the huge smile i was wearing. I sat down next to him and he put his arm around my shoulders.
"What are you all smiles for?" I was almost embarrased he had noticed. What is that obvious something was up?
"I just met one of the new kids- his names Danny. I invited him to join us for lunch and he's bringing his friend Tom."
"Oh. sweet. How'd you meet him?..your not exactly one to walk up to strangers." He didn't seem very enthusiastic about finding out the answer to the question. As soon as i started to answer he looked away and distracted himself with some other kids farther down the lawn.
"I bumped into him on my way into homeroom..i was late as always. Then i bumped into him again at the vending machines inside...just a minute ago." I furrowed my eyebrows. Confused, i looked at Dougie... lacking attention or interest in what i was saying.
When I saw Danny walking out of the building with a tall, blonde haired boy, who i assumed to be Tom, I waved him over to sit with Dougie and me. They came over and sat down and the introductions began.
"Hello again love...long time no see."
"Hey Danny" i replied. Out of the corner of my eye i saw Dougie looking at me- with my dopey ear-to-ear smile. When i looked at him he just rolled his eyes. I wonder what his problem was? "This is my best mate Dougie."
"Hey Dude" said Dougie.
"Hows it going. This is my friend Tom." Tom was tall, with short blonde hair and very distinguishable, and of course adorable, dimples on each cheek. The four of us sat around talking until the bell for class rang. We seemed to get along great and i assumed this would be the beginning of new friendships. As i walked back into the building though, i couldnt shake the feeling that there was a problem with Dougie. Danny and Tom walked in ahead of us and as i walked inside next to Dougie i quietly whispered in his ear.
"You okay? You seem quieter than usual."
"Hmm?" Dougie seemed completely out of it. "What? Oh...yeah..im fine. Gotta go to english.. see you after school?"
"Yeah. I'll meet you at our spot." I winked at Dougie as we parted ways in the hallway and headed to our next classes.
Dougie's P.O.V.
Andrea's running towards me. I love it when she smiles. I wonder whats made her so happy? She sat down next to me and I put my arm around her, smiling, sensing she had some kind of gossip or good news or something to tell me.
"What are you all smiles for?"
"I just met one of the new kids- his names Danny. I invited him to join us for lunch and he's bringing his friend Tom." Shit. So much for Dougie-Andrea time. I guess i cant be too greedy, i've had her all to myself almost all my life. I just dont want to share her.
"Oh. sweet. How'd you meet him?..your not exactly one to walk up to strangers." I couldnt help but be bitter. Who was this guy? As far as im concerned he's competition. My mind trailed back to the days when we were little and would have sleepovers on the weekends, back when it was acceptable for us to share a bed. As we got older and hit puberty her parents wouldn't let us. Completely pointless if you ask me. What id give to wake up next to her again... Whoops. i forgot she was talking, i probably seemed really rude.
"I bumped into him on my way into homeroom..i was late as always. Then i bumped into him again at the vending machines inside...just a minute ago." Quiet. She stopped talking. The quiet broke my trance and i looked back to where she was sitting. She looked at me and i instantly got the feeling she knew something was up.
For a minute, we sat there looking into each others eyes. Gulp. She waved at someone behind me, and i turned to see two tall boys walking towards us. One with brown hair, who i later learned to be Danny, and the other with blonde hair, Tom. When she introduced Danny to me, her face lit up. I wish I could have that effect on her. I havent seen her smile so big in weeks. Was i jealous? Nahh. I cant be..can i? I dont even know this guy....Andrea doesnt even know this guy. He's got nothing on me...right? Andrea looked at me for approval and with all the thoughts rushing through my head all i could say or do was roll my eyes. GREAT. Now she probably knows somethings wrong. Way to be obvious. Stupid Dougie.
As the four of us got better acquainted, i couldnt help but let my mind wander a little bit. I was worried about what Andrea was thinking. I hope these two dont mess up what me and Andrea already have. She's my best friend and without her i wouldnt have anyone. As the bell for class to resume rang, i sighed, picked myself up off the grass and began walking towards the school building again, Danny and Tom in front with Andrea and me trailing right behind. She leaned in and i felt her whisper on the back of my neck.
"You okay? You seem quieter than usual." Shit. She noticed?
"Hmm?" Maybe i can play off like im just out if it today.... "What? Oh...yeah..im fine. Gotta go to english.. see you after school?"
"Yeah. I'll meet you at our spot." She winked at me. I froze. Does that mean something... Nahh. It couldnt... could it? She probably only winked at me..as a friend. Thats what friends do.. Just cause i want it to mean something, doesnt mean it does... 'Oh fuck i hate school' i thought to myself as i turned down a hallway and lazily slumped into the english room.
Chapter Three.
Dougie's P.O.V.
Schools over. Score. I survived another first day of school. I ditched my backpack in my locker, slammed the door shut, put the lock on and began running for the front doors of the school. Outside, I walked over to the same tree I sat under at lunch while i waited for Andrea. This was 'our spot.' I stood for a few minutes..and as more and more kids who were NOT Andrea passed by me...i sat down, growing more impatient. I picked at a few blades of grass while i waited. About five minutes later, Andrea came strolling out, her arm linked in Danny's with Tom on her other side. My face dropped. I hated him already and i didnt even know him...They were smiling and laughing and I stood up and watched them approach me, squinting in the bright sun.
"Hey mate." Danny greeted me. Gah. I hate his confidence.
"Hiiiii!" I replied, overenthusiastically and sarcastically. I think Andrea noticed this and shot me a 'be nice' look. Be nice? Psh. She cut into the conversation before i could argue back.
"Dougie and me always go back to my place after school and hang out. You two boys wanna join?"
"Unfortunately love, we just moved into the neighborhood and have alot of unpacking to do." Danny replied.
"No Danny..YOU have alot of unpacking to do. I finished days ago. You have too much junk!" Tom laughed.
"Hey..it's not junk! And you said you'd help me unpack if i needed it." Danny pleaded Tom with a puppy dog face.
"I better agree to go help him before he starts wimpering." I scoffed. We said our goodbyes and Tom and Danny left in one direction as Andrea and me headed for home. Finally some alone time!
Andrea's P.O.V.
I walked out of the school building with my arm locked in Dannys. He's so cute and dreamy I didnt think anything of it until i saw Dougie's face. His face almost broke my heart...he looked so sad. But why would he be? He's just my friend...my bestfriend at that- wouldn't he want me to be happy? Maybe im just imagining everything?
We walked over to Dougie, standing underneath our tree. When Danny said hello, his response surprised me. He sang "Hiiii!" in a very sarcastic, flamboyant way, almost mocking Danny. Confused, i stared at him, trying to read his thoughts. Nope. Impossible. I guess thats just Dougie. He probably didnt mean anything by it and I'm sure he didnt think before he did it either. Thats just the way Dougie is. He's cooky, crazy, spontaneous and has a very weird sense of humor...and i love that about him.
The four of us parted ways a few minutes later. Dougie and I headed for home. While i loved being around Danny and his carefree mentality, I was glad to be alone with Dougie again. It's so calming just talking with him and I can tell him everything. Well....almost everything.
"So whats up with this Danny dude?" Dougie asked me after a few minutes of silent walking.
"Oh. You dont like him?" This worried me. Dougie's opinion meant so much to me. Infact, his opinion was the ONLY one that mattered to me.
"Erm. I dunno. Hes okay." Awkward silence. "I guess its just cuz hes different....Do you like him..?" Dougie shoved his hands into his pockets and looked away. Thats weird? I wonder why hes acting so strangely?
"Maybe? I dunno....Dont really know much about him."
..pause.."oh."
Dougie's P.O.V.
On the walk home, we didnt talk much. I had never been in such an awkward position before. Usually I was the only guy Andrea hung out with. I tried to ask about how she felt for him, without being too obvious. I dont think it worked. She can read me like a book. When she asked me what i thought of him, i didnt want to be too harsh...so instead i stayed vague. I said i didnt know what to think of him and hoped this would satisfy her curiosity and maybe she'd reconsider wanting to hang out with him.
The rest of the walk home was silent. When we got back to Andrea's place, she unlocked the front door and we both walked in. Her mom works the graveyard shift at the hospital as a nurse and had already left for the night. Her dad doesnt get home for another two hours. We had the house to ourselves, just like always. We walked into the kitchen, grabbed two cokes from the fridge and i followed Andrea up to her room. I spent almost every other day of my child hood in her house, so her room was no strange place for me. I pulled off my vans and made myself comfy on her queen sized bed as i popped a mix cd into her player and cranked up the volume. While i was doing this, she had pulled open one of her dresser drawers and took out a pair of sweatpants. Thinking nothing of it, she pulled off her jeans and folded them, putting them in the place of the sweatpants she just removed from the drawer. I sat there, unable to move...or breathe...or think. I just stared at her in her underware. I lived for moments like these. As she pulled her sweatpants onto her body and shook her hair loose from it's ponytail, i cleared my throat and looked back to the cd player. I found a good song and opened my coke, taking a sip from the top of the very full can before setting it down on her end table.
She grabbed a couple magazines off her desk and laid next to me on her stomach, flipping through the pages looking for something worth reading. I laid back with my hands behind my head, leaning on a pillow, silently admiring her singing and headbanging to the music blaring from the speakers around her room. Did i mention she has an awesome surround sound system?
After a minute or two, she rolled over and laid against me, her head resting on my chest as she showed me a picture in the magazine she was looking at. It was a picture of a skinny blonde girl in a short black strapless cocktail dress.
"What'dya think?" She pointed to the dress. I furrowed my eyebrows and removed my arms from behind my head, wrapping my right around her body and grabbing the magazine in my own hands. I pointed to the picture.
"Whats this for?"
"I thought maybe I'd go to homecoming this year?" She said it hesitantly and i knew she was waiting on my opinion.
"But dresses are for girls.." I pretended to be confused and when she hit my chest and smiled i giggled.
"Very funny smartass" she responded.
"I think it'd look great on you." I complimented her. "Why the change of heart? You never go to these things?"
"Danny asked me if i was going today..and i told him i would if he did." she said. The room became quiet and awkward.
"Oh. Cool." was all i could think of. I couldn't help but picture Andrea and Danny dancing and laughing the night away, and me sitting at home watching tv and eating my weight in ice cream.
"You should go" she suggested. I dont know whats worse- seeing her with him first hand, or imagining them together and thinking the worst from my living room couch.
"Maybe." Silence. It wasnt awkward silence though. We were both in our own worlds, day dreaming and listening to the music playing-(Everything i Knew by Busted) She continued flipping through the magazines and i closed my eyes- they were tired and heavy and soon i was off in a deep sleep. View High Resolution
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Chapter Four.
Andrea's P.O.V.
Yawn. My room was dark all of a sudden. I must have fallen asleep. I lifted my head off Dougie's chest and picked up the magazine i was looking at off his stomach. I propped myself up on my elbow and just watched him sleeping, his silhouette outlined by the dim light coming through the window from the setting sun. Looking at him, I couldn't help but smile. It was just like the old days when we'd have sleepovers. Then I did something unusual. I leaned in, closer to Dougie's face and touched my lips to his. It was a soft kiss, but it must have been enough to wake up Dougie because he jumped up and we banged foreheads.
"Ouch!" we both yelled.
We sat on my bed looking at each other for a minute, just holding our heads, somewhat giggling. It was awkward and funny all at once. I'm not sure why i did what i did..but i think i liked it...
Dougie's P.O.V.
I fell asleep on Andrea's bed with her head on my chest as she flipped through her magazines. Next thing i knew, i woke up with Andrea's lips on mine and it was dark outside. It startled me and i jumped up, banging my head against hers. Did that just really happen? I sat on her bed in the dark, massaging my forehead and looking at her...half giggling at our clumsyness and half trying to figure out WHAT just happened?!
"I...uh..I think i should head home now.." I said as i rolled off her bed onto the floor and looked around for my sneakers that i kicked off earlier in the afternoon.
"Uhm. Yeah sure okay." Andrea said as she moved towards the door and flicked on the light switch. "I'll walk you out."
We walked down the stairs and into the family room where Andrea's father, Mr. Carpenter, was sitting on the couch in polo shirt and shorts watching tv. He looked like he was right out of an L.L.Bean Catalog. He smiled as we walked by and voiced a "Hello Douglas." as i answered his greeting with a "Night Mr.C ". Andrea walked me to the door, flicked on the patio lights and told me she'd talk to me online later. I said goodnight and headed for home- which luckily was only about 4 houses down.
I walked home staring off into the night sky trying to sort out everything that happened today. Maybe we CAN be more than friends? Then again, she likes Danny..its quite obvious. I sighed as i walked into my house and dropped my jacket on the floor by the door and kicked off my shoes.
"MUM! IM HOME!" I yelled into the quiet, still house.
No answer. i walked into the kitchen and found a note on the table along with instructions for heating up left overs for dinner. The note read:
"Doug. At the middle school for your sister's open house. Back late. Reheat leftovers. Love you, Mum."
"humph." I liked the idea of being home alone, It meant I had time to relax and think, without any disturbances. I popped some leftover beef stew into the microwave and headed up to my room to turn my laptop on.
Andrea's P.O.V.
After walking Dougie out, I closed the door and walked into the kitchen, all smiles, to get a drink. I dont know what possessed me to kiss him, but the whole event was funny and lifted my spirits. I had always liked Dougie, but he was my best friend and I never pursued it. After getting a bottle of water from the fridge, i walked back into the living room towards the hallway.
"You two looked cozy" said my dad as i passed by. My face dropped. He saw us together? Did he suspect anything?
"Yeah i spose. He's my bestfriend dad...dont worry." I said reassuringly..scared to wonder what he was thinking at this point. Without leaving him time to respond, i turned and ran up the stairs two at a time, got to my room and closed the door. I opened the water bottle and took a sip, then walked over to my computer and turned it on..obviously consumed with thoughts of both Danny AND Dougie. Whats a girl to do? =\.
Chapter Five.
Dougie's P.O.V.
A few weeks had passed since Andrea kissed me in her room and I still thought about it everytime i saw her. I wish i hadnt ruined it so quickly when i jumped. It was a Friday afternoon and school had just ended. I was waiting at 'our spot', leaning against the big tree, for Andrea to come out of the building- assumably walking with Tom and Danny. We had been seeing alot more of them recently. Since Tom and Danny finished getting settled, they had been hanging out with us afterschool everyday. I wasn't crazy about the idea but for Andrea's sake, and our friendship, i pretended everything was cool. As the three of them walked over to me, i picked at a piece of loose back from the tree. Danny and Andrea were holding hands and i hated pretending it didnt tear me apart inside.
"Hey Doug. Howd your day go?" Andrea asked me.
"Good. We doing anything tonight?" I asked the group of them.
"The Homecoming Dance is tonight.." Danny told me..then turning towards Andrea.."we're still on right?"
She nodded. "I have to go shopping for a dress first though. I was hoping you'd come with me, Dougie?" Great! i thought. She probably saw me as one of her little 'girlfriends' to go shopping with. I smiled half heartedly and agreed to. Danny kissed her on the cheek and said he'd pick her up at 7. I felt dizzy..like i wanted to barf. The boys headed back for Dannys house and we headed back to my house to ask my mom to drive us to the mall.
"Are you gonna go tonight?" she asked as we walked home.
"Mher. I havent decided yet." I honestly hadnt.. I didnt want to be a third wheel..but i didnt want to stay at home bored and worried either. "Maybe i will. But i have nothing to wear?..Hell..i dont even know WHAT you wear to these things..." we both laughed a little.
"Well..while we're at the mall..i'll help you pick something out." She smiled at me. For a second i was lost in my own world...a world that 'Dannys' cant breach.
Andrea's P.O.V.
I came walking out of the school building holding hands with Danny. He's so cute! I love the way he looks at me- it makes me feel special..or worthwhile or something. For a minute, it makes me feel like i matter. We found Dougie at the usual rendezvous...picking the bark off the tree? 'Hm..whatever entertains him' i thought & giggled. When he asked about the plans for tonight, Danny brought up the dance. Dougie agreed to go shopping with me after school to get my dress and Danny said he'd pick me up at 7. He kissed my cheek before he left and i could feel the blush burning on my face. I was happy, embarrased, excited and flattered. I caught a glimpse of Dougie's face, and his expression perplexed me. He looked like he was about to be sick. It went away after a minute...maybe it was just gas?
On the walk back to Dougie's house, i asked him about the dance again.
"Are you gonna go tonight?" i asked as we walked down the sidewalk
"Mher. I havent decided yet." Dougie said. There was a pause and i didnt really know what to say- whether to urge him to go or just drop it. "Maybe i will. But i have nothing to wear?..Hell..i dont even know WHAT you wear to these things..." we both laughed a little... neither of us have ever been to a school function before.
"Well..while we're at the mall..i'll help you pick something out." I smiled at him..hoping this would change his mind and encourage him to come. Poor Dougie.. if i were to go and leave him home alone..he'd have no one to hang out with. Maybe i shouldnt go if he doesnt? Oh man...now im confused.
We got back to his place a few minutes later, asked his mom to drive us to the mall and hopped in the car. Dougie opened the door for me and let me sit up front...i couldnt help at laugh at his strange behaviour..usually we'd wrestle for the front seat? I guess its just cuz were getting older. I hopped in the seat and pulled the door closed as Dougie hopped in the backseat and Mrs. Poynter started the car. It was only about a 20 minute drive and besides Mrs. P's small talk about how schools going and if there was anything new with Dougie- since he tells her nothing- the car ride was pretty silent. It wasnt awkward silence though...atleast not for me. Mrs. P was like a second mother to me- i practically grew up at her house...so the lack of conversation wasnt really uncomfortable. When we got to the mall, Dougie and I hopped out, thanked her for the ride and Dougie got some money from her before we headed inside. Since i already had picked out the dress i wanted, we went into the girls department first. I tried it on in the dressing room and loved it. It was a little black dress that ended just above my knee...form fitting on top with a loose and flowy skirt... I decided to walk out and show Dougie...just to get a second opinion. He was sitting on the floor leaning his back against the wall opposite the dressing room doors.
"Hey Doug. Whattdya think?" I tried not to show my opinion through my voice.
I looked in the large floor length mirror next to Dougie...waiting for his response.. a few seconds passed and when he didnt answer i looked back at him.
"Dougie?..Helloo." He was in like some sort of trance...
He mouthed 'Wow' before standing up and walking behind me... looking into the mirror. "You look..uhm..beautiful."
I giggled nervously.."Thanks Doug." I smiled. "I'm gonna go take it off and get it..then we can focus on you!" I ran back to the dressing room and tore off the dress..putting my jeans and tee back on. I felt weird. I had adrenaline pumping through my whole body. Dougie had never looked at me like that before! I liked it..i think?.. but it made me feel oddly uncomfortable and nervous. I just gotta shake it off....time to shop for him and stop thinking about myself...
Dougie's P.O.V.
So i sat outside the dressing rooms waiting for Andrea while she tried on the dress she wanted. All I could think about was her dressing up and looking gorgeous for Danny...DANNY....If only he'd get the flu or something and I could take her to the dance instead. I sat there, people watching. My attention was on a tv hanging from the ceiling in the far corner of the store, playing music videos when out of the corner of my eye i caught Andrea walking out of the dressing room wearing a little black dress. It was like i had been hit with a stun-gun. All i could do was look at her, mouth wide open, completely speechless. She was gorgeous. Sure, her hair was up in a ponytail and she had almost no makeup on...but she was breathtakingly beautiful. She said something, probably asking me what i thought, but i didnt hear a word of it. All i could do was stare. I tried to say wow, but the words didnt come. Finally, I stood up and walked around behind her, looking at her in the mirrors reflection.
"You look..uhm..beautiful."
she giggled.."Thanks Doug." and smiled. "I'm gonna go take it off and get it..then we can focus on you!" she went back into the dressing room to change...and left me alone, thinking solely about her...wanting her to come running back to me and throw her arms around my neck. 'Man' i sighed. I slumped against the wall while i waited and let my mind wander.
