On Monday, Mike waited outside for Micky. Mike's mother suggested that he should lead Micky to school.

Mike, usually a very punctual person, grew a little agitated as Micky was taking a long time to get outside. Finally, the younger boy exited his house and seemed surprised to see Mike waiting for him.

"What're you doing here?" Micky asked.

"We walk to school so I thought I'd help you."

"Oh...we don't take the bus?"

"Nope," Mike shook his head. "School's too close."

"Oh. I used to take the bus every day in California."

The two started walking. Mike shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he asked, "California? Is that where you're from?"

"Yeah."

Well, that explained the western accent.

Soon, the school building came into view. The high school was on the other side of town from the primary and middle schools, something Mike never understood.

"We're here," Mike said. "The Juniors and Seniors are mostly on the west side of the building so I'll show you around."

"Okay."

The two went into the school. As soon as Mike arrived at his locker, he was greeted by his girlfriend, a pretty blonde girl named Scarlett Harvey.

"I've been waiting for you," Scarlett said, reaching up to kiss Mike on the cheek. After she greeted Mike, she looked at Micky. "Who's your friend?"

"My new neighbor," Mike said. He looked at Micky too. "This is my girlfriend, Scarlett. Scarlett, this is Micky. Micky—"

He paused. He didn't know Micky's last name.

"My name's Micky Dennis."