"No, I've never even been inside of a church", I said quietly. "You should come with us sometime, if you'd like", Mrs. Robinson suggested. "I will", I promised. "Well, we better be heading home", I said standing up. "Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. We really enjoyed this." "Oh, it was my pleasure! I get bored being around only guys!" she said. For a split second I could see a pain come up in her eyes, but then it was gone. "Alright", Zane said reluctantly, "I'll take you guys home". We hopped in and were home shortly. "Thanks a lot Zane!" I called as he backed out of the drive way. He flashed one of his smiles and was gone. Candace sighed. "If there ever was a perfect guy, that would be it". I agreed. "Come, let me do your hair", she said turning toward the house.

The next day I fully expected Zane to ignore us in front of his friends, but he continued to surprise me. Throwing a friendly arm around my shoulder he walked me into school (Candace had chosen to ride with her brother). "So are you going to continue hiding out in the hallways, or are you going to be my friend?" he casually asked me. I couldn't help smiling up at him. "Why?" It was my favorite question. "H'mm ... maybe because I kinda like being around you", he said stopping in front of my locker. "We'll see", I said opening my locker to hide my grin. He softly pulled me out from behind it. "Well then, I'll make that decision myself. From now on, no matter who's around, you're my friend", he said firmly. I laughed. It felt SO GOOD to have a friend. Candace made 2. "Besides", he continued, "I'll bet that you kinda like being around me too." He smiled and sauntered off down the hall with a back glance and an amazing smile. I heard someone behind me. Instinctively I knew it was Janessa. "Trying to steal my boyfriend, are you? I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget!" she yelled. Out of nowhere Candace appeared. "BACK OFF! Get lost before you wish you had!" she said glaring at all of them. Janessa narrowed her eyes and me then walked off in a huff. "Her boyfriend? Zane has "Xiana" written all over him!" she said angrily. I gasped. "What? He's just a friend!" She laughed at me. "You're so funny! You deserve someone like him. I'm all for it!" I gasped again. Is that what people were thinking? That Zane was actually pursuing me as is he LIKED me? "Why are you standing there looking so shocked?" I swung around to see who said that. Zane, of course. People were popping up everywhere. "What do you mean?" I asked innocently. He leaned up against the lockers and playfully smiled. "Whats wrong with having your name written all over me?" he asked toying with a random combination. "Uhh ... I just ... Uhh... you're too good for me", I finally mumbled. "And I'm not pretty or popular or ... rich, or anything that you shou