Before I could answer Ray, the bell rang. I walked out of the classroom to where Ray was waiting for me. Beth said she would go to the library since it was free period. I stood across Ray in the hall.

"So, you haven't answered. Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Ray questioned. I looked around awkwardly.

"Well.. No, I don't want to be your girlfriend," I said hesitantly.

"What? Why not?" Ray asked incredulously.

"I want to get to know you first. You barely know me, and the only things I've heard about you are rumours. So maybe we could hang out, get to know each other?" I groaned mentally.

"Why did I have to be so awkward. Ugh, someone please help me, I don't think anyone has rejected Ray before. But I technically didn't reject him.." Ray's voice brought my attention back to our conversation.

"If that's what you want, sure. We could hang out, as friends first. I'll see you later on." He looked at me unsurely.

I nodded, smiling a little. At least he wasn't questioning my decisions too badly.

"Yeah, that's what I want. We could eat lunch together later?"

"Sure, see ya later." Ray grinned at me and walked away. As I started heading for the library, he turned around to face me.

"You really are something special, Grace. I'll give you that," he called out. I didn't turn to face him, but waved instead, walking down the stairs.

"You rejected Ray?" Beth asked in disbelief.

"No, Beth, I didn't. I just said we should get to know each other first. This is the hundredth time I'm telling you! We're going to be late for class," I grumbled.

"Okay, fine! I just believe you said no to Ray. Like popular dude Ray," Beth muttered.

"Beth! Math! We're going to be late!" I sighed.

Beth laughed and ruffled my hair.

"We still have five minutes, calm down woman," she teased. I stuck my tongue at her and ran to class.

During lunch, Ray, Beth and I sat together. It was awkward at first but we started making small talk.

"So, you girls going to the carnival next week?" Ray asked us.

"Yeah, probably. How about you?" I replied.
Ray shrugged.

"I'm not going. I'll be having a party to celebrate my birthday," he said nonchalantly.
Beth's eyes widened.

"It'll be your birthday soon?" She looked at me to ask if I knew. I shook my head.

"Yeah, March 18 I'm turning sixteen," he smirked. I smiled kindly.

"Happy early birthday, then."