"Did all of your parents sign the waiver?" Mr. Branson collected the papers from every students desk. Our school thought it would be a brilliant idea to have the seniors go on a "bonding field trip" to celebrate our last year together. This was really only strange because the school had never had us go on any field trips in the past four years that we'd been here.

I slumped back into the terrible plastic char, the metal screw digging into my back. Mr. Branson swiftly grabbed the paper from my desk and headed back to the front of the classroom. For this trip we had to get permission slips signed, as well as waivers. Whatever caused a safety waiver to be signed that had a slight case of death as a side effect, I was not into.

I scanned the room. This was my home room class, the one we went everywhere with. While we did everything together aside from normal classes, we weren't really that tightly knit. I wished we were though.

There were people in my class that I wouldn't mind getting closer to. Like Michael Clifford.

Michael Clifford was probably the hottest boy in our class, well at least in my opinion. He dyed his hair a different color practically every week. Currently it was red, my favorite on him.

My best friend Connie thought it was weird that he dyed his hair so many colors so often. She gave lectures about how it was bad for his hair and how he could go bald next week. Well, she told me, not him.

I didn't care for what Connie said about Michael, though. He was perfect to me, and that's what mattered.

Michael yawned, stretching backwards and a double chin evident. A girl across the room giggled.

Mia Myland.

Probably the most popular girl in our grade. She would love to claim that title, but I don't know it she really deserves it. I think everyone's too afraid to say that she's only popular because she has a crush on a different boy every month. Probably more than that, to be honest. Her new fling changes quicker than Michael's hair.

To cut them both some slack, they had kept the same hair color and crush for a decent amount of time. Michael has had red hair for almost a month now, and unfortunately Mia has had a crush on Michael for a similar amount of time.

That gave Michael some clout. He was never one who got attention from the girls, no matter how much he truly deserved it. Here's the thing: he and Mia have already dated. She dumped him after they had climbed the height of the social ladder that is our school and society. Still, Michael has gained more attention from people than he had before.

While that was nice for him, it was pretty rough watching from my end. I didn't like him giving into careless flirts from random chics in different home rooms. It bothered me how they were able to get more attention from him than I do, when I've been here the whole time.

Michael looked over to the general area where the giggles came from, lightly waving at Mia. She freaked out as Michael turned away, bored. Her and he friends quietly squealed in the corner as Mr. Branson stamped some random packet of paper.

"Alright, quiet down everyone," Mr. Branson cleared his throat. "So our class will be boarding the Bus 4. We will be meeting the rest of the classes when we arrive at the camp. Any questions?"

A boy named Ronnie raised his hand. "Yes, Ronnie."

"Will we be staying overnight?"

Mr. Branson stared blankly at the fringed boy. "Nobody here brought stuff to stay overnight."

Ronnie slowly put his hand down sheepishly.

"Alright, one last thing. We will assign your seats for the bus, just to avoid any madhouse events from you boys in the back."

I bit my lip. I secretly hoped that I would be assigned to sit with Michael, but I knew I was supposed to want to sit with Connie. I glanced over at my friend, who was raising her hand.

"Mr. Branson?" she piped up.

"Yes, Connie," he looked unimpressed.

She smiled sweetly. "Can Ellie and I sit next to each other? I don't think my parents want me sitting next to any-"

"No, we already have the seating arrangements planned out. Now single file everyone, by the door."

We all stood, slowly lining up along the side of the room. Normally any class wouldn't obey like this, but we already knew Mr. Branson well enough to listen. We made our way down the hall and down the flight of stairs, to the parking lot where there were five buses with kids loading on them. We passed another class, and I think we all felt impressed with ourselves. We made them look bad, as they acted like deranged monkeys with elephant legs, causing a storm of chaos.

I recognized three kids from that class. They were Michael's friends. I didn't completely remember their names, but I knew their faces.

One had blonde hair swooped up into a quiff, a dainty black ring piercing his bottom lip. Him and the boy next to him were part of the madness. The other boy had brown curls frenzied all over his head, and an adorably angled nose. The last boy I recognized was much calmer, if not timid. He had tan skin and a round nose, with lightly wavy dark brown hair.

That class began to board Bus 2.

We gathered around the bus that Mr. Branson had led us to, Bus 4. He started calling out names. Connie was partnered with a boy named Cooper. She sent me a frown as she walked to the seat she was assigned to, sliding in next to the blonde.

I faked sadness. I really just hoped that this meant a better chance to sit with Michael.

More and more of my classmates loaded onto the yellow vehicle, before my name was finally called.

And Michael's came right after it.

I internally squealed as we walked up next to each other. The tension was probably visible to everyone, but I was happy.

"Do you wanna sit on the aisle?" I was startled out of my thoughts from Michael's voice behind me. I'd never really heard his voice much. I imagined it to be deeper, huskier, maybe. But instead, his voice was a lot lighter and happier sounding.

I shrugged at his question. "It doesn't matter to me." My voice cracked. My hands flung to my mouth as my cheeks were surely flushing crimson. Michael's lips tugged into a small smile, laughing lightly.

"I'll sit on the aisle," he motioned for me to slip in first. I scooted into the seat. Let me tell you, these seats were not wide. I don't know how they expected us to squeeze in pairs. My body pressed against the metal side as Michael slid in next to me.

My heart stopped.

Michael Clifford. Sitting next to me.

Not only that, but his body was pressed against mine. He didn't seem phased my this, as he just glanced all around the interior of the bus as more students came in.

I, on the other hand, am panicking. At this point, I'm shaking. I hoped the tight squeeze wouldn't make it noticeable, but Michael turned to face me.

"Shìt, are you cold?"

I shrugged. "Just a little," I sent a weak smile.

The bus started, everyone finally on the bus.

"How long is the drive again?" I turned my head up to Michael.

He furrowed his brows. "Four hours, I think."

My eyes widened.

I was going to be this close to Michael for four hours.

a/n new book yayyyyy

aight tell me what you think :)