"You're actually wearing something nice." Audrey complemented just before the door opened.

     Max looked at his best sweatshirt and jeans and scoffed as a grey haired man smiled back at them. A button up shirt with little lines that made up a design greeted the two. White teeth, clean shaven... and socks. Of course they knew he was the type to wear socks in his own home 24/7.

     "Well hello strange children." He boomed, which made Audrey flinch, and Max look at her in concern.

     He took charge, "Hey. We're the neighbors. I'm the son of the woman you bought property from. We'd figured we would introduce ourselves."

     "I couldn't help but to notice your daughter. We're going to be seniors this year. And we were just wondering if she'd be attending our school. Since we know transitioning is hard." The  reins were handed over to the girl who faintly smelled like chicken nuggets and ocean breeze body spray.

       Somehow his grin got wider (lord knows how??) "Oh! How thoughtful! What nice kids! I'm George, George Thomas actually. And- Sweetie come here-"

     He stopped short and soon, a girl with long brunette hair locked eyes directly with Max. Her heart clenching. Something about him immediately made her knees want to give way. Like she'd hyperventilate on cue.

     He noticed of course. His eyebrows furrowed and she watched  his facial expression change. Quickly looking at Audrey to keep herself from spontaneous combustion.

      "Clementine. Like the fruit you know? Boy was her mother crazy. She goes by Clem or C.T though. " He shoved her out like a trophy.

      The girl staring back at her pictured some blonde with curves and a nice tan. Not a bland haired girl with creamy white skin and baby face, "Hey Clem, I'm Audrey, and that's Maxwell."

      His wave knocked her speaking ability out, "Hey."

       "You're very pretty. And not in like a movie star or Instagram model type of way. You've got this aesthetic." She paused to think of what words she was looking for, "You've got a cool aura Clementine."

    She hoped she didn't jump into the compliment game too quickly. This was a new friend opportunity. Plus. She's loaded. So this was Audreys time to be a suckup. Even if it was obvious.

     The rich girl was thrown off. Audrey's smile was so wide that she'd immediately sensed something fake. Focusing on her fingers twiddling behind her. And the way she'd faltered upon giving a nice opinion on her made it clear.

     Max looked at his friend, and at the girl. Not understanding why she was so in to her. Just by the look in Audreys eyes, he knew he'd lost her to... Clementine... And...She was average. Boring. Her whole image just seemed...off. So why was his friend staring at her like she was artwork? He knew for a fact that she wasn't anything like they'd pictured.

     "Thank you so much. That's so nice of you-  I'm not that great with compliments, but you're pretty too." Her smile showed teeth that she quickly covered before laughing.

     The boy thought that she was acting artificial.

      George stepped back and waved, leaving the girl who wore a knitted cardigan and shorts behind. Which just added to the list of things Max was confused about. It was August. Which is no time for sweaters. His mind just kept picking the weird things out of her. While her eyes stole a glance at him every chance they could. Hoping he was doing the same.

     She twisted her back leg, drawing attention to her pink ankle socks. Just like her father, they collectively knew bare feet were an outlaw in the home.

     Audrey grinned, "There's a bonfire tonight at my house. My brother is coming home for a bit, so its a small celebration," she nudged Max, "You should come, a ton of kids from school will be there."

     Putting up his hands, Max shook his head, "Except for me."

      "Wait, why?" His friend seemed hurt.

      Clementine felt uncomfortable, and like she was between something she shouldn't be, so she tried to advert from a quarrel, "Um. What time does it start?"

      Turning back to her, Audrey flashed a smile, "Eight. I'll come and grab you. Oh- Can I help you get ready? Not like I uh. Wanna see your amazing house or anything."

      Max rolled his eyes. And Clementine couldn't think of an excuse to say anything other than yes.

       Her laugh came out as nervous, and Max noticed her hands covering her mouth again to hide her teeth, "Sure. It'll be fun. I just got my room put together too."

     "Kay, Max, you can leave then. See ya tonight." Audrey sneared as she made her way inside.

       He just shrugged and turned around, ignoring her hint of a plea to go to the bonfire. Not hearing the door close he turned and looked straight at the strange girl, to which she waved, "It was nice meeting you Maxwell."

      "Yeah." He replied, trekking back home with his hands in his sweatshirt pockets.

      Shaking her head Clementine closed the front door. Wondering what kind of kid wears a hoodie in the middle of August.