[Maddie]

My phone buzzes in my backpack. It is a text from an unknown number.

Unknown Number: Hi Maddie this is alexander from math class

Me: Um, hi

Unknown Number: i know this is weird but the truth is i really like you

This must be a joke. I am the most unpopular girl in school. And he likes me? This is a sick prank.

Me: what kind of prank is this

Alex: it is not a prank

Me: ok ill believe you

Alex: thank you

Me: but we are just friends

Alex: friends, ok...

Alex: could we hang out some time

Me: like friends

Alex: like friends

Me: we have to get to class

Alex: uggghhhh

Alex: i dont like class

Me: no one does

Alex: true

Me: bye

Alex: love you

Me: FRIENDS

Alex: ok....

Alex: i still love you tho

Me: F-R-I-E-N-D-S

Alex: shh class is starting

“Today we will be partnering up for our dissection project,” drones the science teacher.

“We will need one person to dissect while the other takes notes,” he continues.

I get a text.

Alex: will you be my partner

“Miss Shultz who are you texting during class?” Mr. Fraiser asks.

“No one sir.” I answer.

“I will see you in detention then.” He says.

“Sorry” Alex mouths out to me.

I glare at him.

“Well, get going, partner up,” Mr. Fraiser says.

“If you will be my partner I will do the dissecting,” Alex promises.

“Sure I’d love to be your partner,” I tell him.

“That was easier than I thought,” he said.