Preston glared at his sneakers while he walked, still trying to process what Ms. Sutherland had said. Max? In the drama club? He shook his head, knowing it wouldn't end well.

In seven quick steps and three sharp turns, he had made it into his science class. He collapsed into his usual seat next to Nerris.

"Hey Preston," she chirped, her lisp still evident. He nodded in acknowledgement and slipped a pencil behind his ear. He tapped on the desk thoughtfully, starting to consider Ms. Sutherland's words.

Harrison slipped in later, looking slightly winded. The magic loving teen quickly took a seat next to Preston, acting as if nothing happened. Nerris eyed him suspiciously. "Where've you been?"

"No where," the strawberry blond squeaked. Preston raised an eyebrow. "Which girl held you back this time?"

Harrison smirked, raising his hands. "Ok, ok, you caught me." He looked between the two of them, grinning like an idiot. "It was Jillian."

"Again?" Nerris groaned, earning a chuckle from the two boys.

The teen shrugged. "What can I say? I've got a few-" he pulled a playing card out of thin air, "-tricks up my sleeve."

She groaned again and Preston rolled his eyes. He leaned closer to Harrison. "So, is it serious this time around?" he whispered.

"Serious enough to cut me off in the hallway," someone grumbled. The trio turned towards the speaker. Neil sat two seats up, looking rather pissed.

Preston gaze flicked between the boys, lowkey hoping a fight would break out. Instead, Harrison sighed and turned his card into a rose, tossing it at Neil. The brunet caught it, puzzled.

"As an apology." He winked, causing Neil to blush and face forward again. The science nerd muttered under his breath, staring at the flower. Nerris shook her head and returned her gaze to Harrison. "I'm gonna take that as a no," she declared as class started.

•~•

"You alright, Preston?" Nerris asked, snapping the boy out of his trance. They were halfway through class and the teen had been lost in thought the whole time.

"Hm? Oh yes, I'm alright. Just... Pondering..." He started to chew on his nails.

"What about?" Harrison whispered, jumping in the conversation. Preston sighed, his auburn locks swaying with him. "No point in hiding it," he thought.

"Ms. Sutherland offered that Max should join the drama club," he mumbled, fiddling with his pencil.

"Max?" Nerris gasped. "From camp?"

Preston nodded, starting to zone out.

"That's going to be a nightmare..." Harrison breathed. Preston slammed his hand on his desk.

"Thank you! Someone understands that!" he exclaimed. The teacher cleared his throat, glaring at the three of them. They all shrunk down a little.

Preston looked between his friends. "He's going to ruin it for everyone. Drama club is supposed to be a place of positivity, not bitterness. I don't want him to destroy that."

"Not to be rude..." Nerris murmured, "but aren't you judging a book by it's cover?"

The dramatic teen stared at her. "I'm judging from past experiences, Ner."

She scoffed. "It's been two years! Who knows? He probably had a change of heart."

"Or a change of schedule," Preston growled. "Right now, I still don't trust him."

Harrison opened his mouth to say something, but the bell interrupted him. As soon as it rang, Preston vanished. He exchanged a glance with Nerris. "He'll get over it," the boy sighed.