I open my locker and something spills out in the floor. I smile as I turn it over. It's a note from Tacoma.
-
Kid,
If you don't have any plans with your boyfriend later, would you (and I guess I better invite Mason) want to go to the The Drink.co with me and Mica? If y'all don't, thats fine, I just thought I'd ask.
-Tacoma
-
I turn the note over and quickly scribble my reply on the backside of the note.
-
Tacoma,
I'd love to go. And I'm sure Mason will too. Just tell Mom or Dad before we go. If you don't want to, I can.
Also! Mason is NOT my 'boyfriend'!  He's like another brother.
-Rori
-
As I pass Tacoma's locker, I slip the note into his hands. He quickly scans the note and gives me a slow smile.
"You sure bout that?"
"About what?"
"Mason not bein your boyfriend."
I snort, and laugh.
I hope I didn't blush

"You're turning red."
Bunch of Bunk.
"That doesn't mean I like him!"
"Ok, I'll take this news to Keiran then."
"Don't you dare!"
He makes his deep chuckle.
"I won't, but who knows, this note could 'accidentally' fall into his hands."
He teasingly holds the note just out of my reach. I jump up and try to snatch it from his hands.

Mason walks up.
"Is the child behaving well?"
He queries, looking at Tacoma.
"Well, she's being a handful, as usual."
Mason gives me a "stern" look.
"I thought I told you to be good, pet."
I can feel myself flushing again.
"What's the note that I have the suspicion caused this little scuffle?"
Tacoma cocks his arm back.

"Tacoma Tau! Don't you-"
My words trail off in sheer horror as  the note flies from Tacoma's fingers.
Mason misses the note! His eyes go round as the note sails into the dark head of Keiran O'Veer.
"Snap!" I hear Tacoma exclaim behind me.
BuNcH oF BuNk.

                         ***

"What on earth!" Keiran exclaims.
"Mason!" I hiss.
He gives me a panicked look.
"How was I supposed to figure that it was going to hit Keiran in the head? Just what was in that note anyways?"
"Encouragement." I groan.
"What?"

"It said that...."
Why should I hesitate?
"I said that you weren't my boyfriend."
Mason will probably either not care, or be hurt.
"Ah." Mason nods.
I look back at Keiran as he scans the note.

Maybe he'll not turn it over once he figures out it wasn't meant for him.
I see him turn over the note.
Of course not.
Always had high hopes.

He quickly runs the note over, his eyes getting wider by the vowel. Then I see him stuff the note in pocket and head toward us.
"Boys," I turn to Tacoma and Mason, "I'm going to make myself scarce."
Mason loops his arm through mine.
"A princess must always have her knight to defend her against unwelcome suitors."

I roll my eyes, but we quickly move away.
"Be kind Mason." I whisper as we walk away.
"I was. You be kind."
"Ok fine."
"Where are we even going?"
"Library."
"History assignment?"
I nod.

(Viola! Lol)