Sorry guys for being away for so long but now I am back for good. Better yet, i have written the entire story and will be updating it on a weekly basis. Cool right? I thought so too!!!!! So strap yourself in and let's get started!

That day, after classes, Grace had cheer leading practice so I decided to stay behind and asked Michael to stay back too. I decided to start Michael's 'campaign' too while we waited. As he and I waited for Grace outside the playground, I noticed Chiang Lee, the guy who had been selected with me last year, come out of the library. I grabbed Michael's hand and dragged him towards Lee.

"Hey Lee, how is it going?" I yelled.

Lee looked up and smiled, "Heyo Rebel, it's going good. I was just coming back from the library. I went there to borrow the book that Mr Perry told us would be very beneficial for the SATs. You can borrow it from me later if you want."

"Thanks so much, Lee. You are a life saver." I said, gratefully. I glanced at Michael who wore a perturbed look on his face. I pulled him forward and said, "Anyways, say Lee, do you know of anyone who Michael here, could tutor as an art teacher? Michael is an incredible artist. The best I have ever known.I have been telling him to share his talent with the rest of the world. So if you know of somebody......?"

Lee perked up. He looked at Michael with a grin. 

"You know how to draw? My father is opening his first art museum in town. He is holding an exhibition next week and is looking for hidden gems like you. You could talk to him if you want, show him some of your work. If he likes it, he might put it up in the exhibition.  If anyone buys it, you get money too." Lee said helpfully. 

Lee was known for his charm and I had known he would pull through.

Michael looked doubtful and a tad confused. Since he didn't seem to look much excited with that prospect, I spoke on his behalf. The guy took too much time to decide anything.

"Michael would love it. It has always been his dream to have his art in an exhibition. Please inform us when your father is ready to see him." I said, beaming.

"Sure. I will. See you in the next meeting. I will save you a seat" Lee said before walking away.

"What was that?" Michael asked, staring at me like I was a crazy person.

"What? I think the word you are looking for is 'thank you'," I said, looking at him.

"For my art career maybe. You are supposed to get me into the Einstein Club. How does putting up my art in Lover boy's father's museum get me into the club?"

"Lover boy?" i asked dryly. That word was something I had never associated with Lee. I turned around and looked at him walking away.

Huh.

"You can't be that blind. That guy definitely wants some. Wants some from you." Michael said, a tad annoyed.

"What? You are crazy. Lee is just sweet that way. He doesn't have a crush on me." Before he could argue, I decided to change the subject.

"Look, Lee's father is one of the teachers in the committee. And also, I heard in the meeting that two out of the ten artists displaying there work in the exhibit are art members too. So I suggest you put up your art in there, talk to them a bit, ooo and aahhh their paintings and then suggest you guys grab a bite. And then talk about your studies and how you are going to cure cancer and stuff."

Michael looked serious as he considered all this. Finally he nodded.

"Yeah, you are right. That is a good plan. I could become their buddies. Show them what I know." He looked at me with a grin, "Thanks a lot, Rebel. That means a lot."

I smiled. "Its fine. Its part of the deal. I help you and you help me, remember?" 

Although as time went on, I was confused as to how much this was because of the deal and how much it was because I wanted him to get what he wanted.

"Yeah, but it feels like I am getting the better bargain. All I have to do is flirt with Daisy a bit and get her to dump Brandon. And from the way she was talking today, I am guessing she was halfway through the dumping part already. And here you are, trying your best to get me in the most sought after club of the school. "

"Do you wanna discuss the terms of the deal again? Maybe we can change it so that you have to take Daisy to the Dance." I joked but also secretly waiting to see his reaction.

"Not in a million years, no. I am not going anywhere with that woman." He said, in a panicked voice.

He was still sane then. But why was I so relieved?

Before I could mull on that, I heard someone behind us.

"Hey guys!!"

Michael and I turned around to see Grace waving at us excitedly. As we approached her, she grabbed my hand and said, "Guess who is in town for a month?"

"Stephen Amell?" I joked. That guy could steal me away anytime he wanted.

"No. Erikos Stephandies."

My eyes widened.

"Erikos? Erikos is in town?" I screamed excitedly.

"Yes and he wants to meet us." Grace said jumping up and down.

"Who is Erikos?" Michael intervened, looking at us.

"When did he tell you?" I asked, completely ignoring him.

"He poked me on facebook while I was in practice. After we were done, I sent him a message. I just read his reply."

"Who is Erikos?" Michael asked again, his voice growing louder.

"I can't believe it. Erikos is in town. Oh my god, it's so meant to be." I sighed dreamily.

"WHO THE HELL IS ERIKOS!!!?" Michael screamed.

Both Grace and I looked at him, breaking out of our stupor.

"Um, Erikos is the guy who went to the Spring Dance with Rebel last year," Grace explained quietly. 

"He is one of THE most handsome, funny and charming guy I have ever seen." I said, excitedly. Nothing could bring me down right now.

Michael looked grim as he glanced at me.

"Really? How come I never heard about it before?" he asked.

"It never came up. Erikos was a Senior back then. He asked me to the Spring Dance. We had a lot of fun. And then he left for college. End of story." I answer, looking at him quizzically. 

"Well, he is still in contact with you. That doesn't mean End of story. That means, story continued. And from your giddiness, it seems like you want him to stay in your life. Ergo, you should have mentioned him to me." Michael said, accusingly.

I looked at him in anger. The happiness i had been feeling after getting Michael into the art exhibition and also on the news of Erikos coming to visit, was fading fast.

 "What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you acting so strange?"

Michael straightened with a deadpan look, his earlier grimness gone. 

"No reason. I am going home. You go and meet Erikos. I will see you tomorrow."

"Michael, Erikos asked to meet all of us. Not just me. Didn't you hear that?" I asked, getting confused by the minute. This was so unlike him.

"Yes but we all know who he really wants to see, don't we?" Michael asked.

"Well I am hoping he does. Otherwise I have to kick his ass. And he has such a cute ass." I laughed, trying to lighten the mood.

It didn't work.

"You know what?  I am leaving. Bye." H

He started walking away.

I ran after him and grabbed his hand.

"Wait, Michael, where are you going? I really wanted you to meet him. He is a real charmer," I pleaded as he refused to look at me. "Maybe you can learn from him. It might help you to befriend the Club members." Maybe that will change his mind.

"No, thank you. I don't need to learn charm from anyone, most of all this Erikos. What kind of name is that anyway? You enjoy your time with him and I will see you tomorrow. If you even need me by then and haven't replaced me with his cute ass."

Saying this, Michael stormed off.

I watched helplessly as the idiot got into his car and drove away. What had gotten into him?