I run towards Dave and fall in his arms. He leans rowards me and we almost kiss when all of a sudden, the covers are ripped off my body and my mom shouts,

"laura get off that bed right now"

"In a minute," I reply. I wonder why I have to go to school.

"Alright fine. I guess I'll go get the instruments then,"

WTF? WHAT INSTRUMENTS?

"I'm up." I shout, getting off the bed and seeing a triumphant look on her face. I gotta admit my mom can get really creative.

She laughs hysterically as she leaves my room.

You won this round mom.

I head into the shower and after bathing and drying my hair, I decide on light blue jeans and a brown top. I leave my hair hanging loose, slip on brown flats and leave my room.

I go to the living room and find Jason looking out the window.

"So Laura is Ally coming over today?"  he asks with an excited glint in his eyes.

"Nah she's using her car today. Any problem?" I ask.

"Nope just asking," he awkwardly replies.

"Okay. Wheres dad?" I ask, looking for a cereal.

"He just left...seemed upset," he replies.

After eating my cereal, I leave for school. The vibe feels different and I just feel happy.

"Hey," I hear beside me.

"Hey Nate. whats up?" I ask.

"I'm cool. so have you seen Ally today?" he awkwardly asks.

"No, and whats with everyone asking about her?" I ask.

"Everyone? who else asked about her?" he asks with genuine curiosity.

"Nevermind. So why are you looking for her?"

"No nothing. Just wanted to make sure shes alright... so I'll see you when I see you." he says and walks away.

He leaves and I make my way to my locker where I see Dave waiting for me.

"Hey babe," he says as he makes his way towards me.

"Hey," I reply.

"So how about we go out after school?" he asks as we walk towards our classes.

"After school? where?" I ask.

"Oh you'll find out. So I'll pick you up?"

"Great. After school it is," I say as I walk into my class.

Its math and I really hate it. Too bad I really need the credit. I get to my seat and just stare at the teacher as he draws some stupid diagram on the boardand under it writes  X + Y - Z= 95. Find Z. He turns to the class.

"Class who can answer this question?" he asks. Silence. Feign nonchalance. Just keep a straight face and he'll ignore you.

"Laura. Come over here please," he says.

Oh fuck no. I awkwardly make my way to the front of the class.

"Laura, find Z." he says.

I stare blankly at the board and turn to him.

"Over there sir," I say, pointing to where Z is located on the board as the whole class erupts in laughter. The teacher smiles a little as he says "On a normal day, I'll give you detention; but what for? Go take your seat."

"Thanks," I say. I go to my seat as a guy turns and gives me a hi-five. Nailed it.

***

The day passes slowly, possibly due to my anticipation. As school finally finishes, Dave walks towards me and we head to his car. As soon as we get in, he hands me a box.

"come on, open it," he coaxes.

"Dave I don-"

"Its no bother, Its a gift. Open it," he interrupts.

I open the box and smile. Inside it is a leather jacket.

"Thanks," I say happily.

"What? won't you try it on?" he asks as he passes the leather jacket. I wear it and it fits me perfectly.

"lets go," he says.

××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××

  ALLY POV

School ends and as I walk out the building, Nate catches up to me.

"Nate right?" I ask as I walk faster. He's Daves best friend and belongs in the bad crowd, so I dont want to get involved.

"Yeah. Are you alright Ally? he asks matching my stride.

"Did I have a problem?"

"No its just...you know the last time I saw you, you were quite upset."

"Oh ok im fine now. Anything else?" I ask walking faster.

"Yes. I like you and I want us to go on a date,"

Talk about straight to the point.

I turn to look at him. Too bad he's cute. "Okay listen Nate. its not that I don't like you as a person because you seemed really nice at the beach, its just that I don't like your type get it? I dont like your crowd ok? " I say and turn to leave, but he grabs my arm and pulls me back.

"So see you at 7?" he asks hopefully.

"No i'm not going on a date with you, and let go of me," I say as I pry my arm away.

"Okay. I just hope whatever loser you're hung up over realizes what an amazing person you are," he says as he turns to leave but turns back I'll be seeing you...Ally," he fimally says as he leaves. What just happened?

××××××××××××××××××××××××××××××

  LAURA POV

I turn on the radio as All time low- Bad enough for you starts playing. I sing along as it is my favorite song.

About 15 minutes later, I finally look up at him and ask, "Where are we going?"

He shrugs and says "I'm gonna introduce you to the crew,"

Wait what?

"Dave we're not even dating. This is all a pretense remember?" I try to remind him.

"Its not just a pretense and you know it. I want this to be real Laura, which is why I want to officially ask you will you be my girlfriend?"

Jake's warning rings in my mind but I wont let him rule my life. would I? that is why I cant stop myself as I say

"Yes Dave,"

He smiles as he says "Great. now time to meet them."

I try to keep the nervousness from my voice as I reply "Dave i'm not sure im ready." I honestly don't  think that's a great idea as everyone knows the kind of people he hangs around are not the kind of people you want to mess around with.

"Of course you are. just follow my lead," he says, as he puts the car on park. I leave the car and look around the place which resembles a garage. I see a group of cute guys in the corner smoking, some drinking, and others just talking. I recognize Nate in the group.

Dave holds my hand and moves towards the group then says "guys, this is my girlfriend Laura,"

"Hey," they say at the same time. One of them hands me a cigarette.

"Sorry I dont smoke," I awkwardly say.

"Not yet," he replies and continues smoking.

"Laura this is Ashton, Aiden, Jack, Nick, James, and of course Nate." Dave introduces, pointing at each one in turn.

The one named Nick signals to Dave.

"Mind if I talk to you for a sec?"

"Sure," Dave replies and they go off into a corner.

I try to make conversation with the guys but keep nervously rubbing my hands together.

"Relax love, we don't bite," the one named Ashton says. Within minutes, i start to feel at ease. I begin to wonder what is taking Dave so long.

"Hey i'll go check on Dave," I say.

I walk towards Dave and see Nick pass a package towards him.

"Make sure you deliver it. Don would be waiting," Nick tells him.

"As soon as I can," Dave says. He turns and sees me and nervously walks towards me leading me to the car.

What the hell is Dave hiding from me?