“Ugh, I hate mornings…” Ashley mumbled, her eyes were closed and nestled into her folded arms.  “Ash, it’s noon.”  Spencer remarked, giggling.  “Fine then, I hate afternoons.”  The brunette sighed as she lifted her head and squinted.  “Does it have to be so bright out here?”

Spencer had noticed that Madison was oddly interested in their group today.  Her eyes kept hovering across them as she sat across the courtyard.  The cheerleader never interacted with them, except Aiden of course but only out of what seemed like obligation.  “Aiden why don’t you just ask her out already, she’s looking over here again.”  Spencer huffed irritably, taking another bite from her chocolate chip cookie. “Who?”  The teen that sat next to her had craned his neck and peeked around the courtyard.  “Madison.”  She nodded in direction of the Latina.

The familiar name fazed Kasey momentarily as she leaned back and followed the boy’s gaze.  “I would but…”  He trailed off keeping his focus subtly locked onto the girl who eyed their table.  Kasey’s eyes widened and with a heavy thud she hit the floor.  “Doh!”  She choked.  “Hey Homer, are you ok?”  Ashley laughed, looking down at the girl.  “Yea, sorry.  Just leaned back a little too far I guess.”  She grinned sheepishly, making no effort to stand but simply glanced up at them from the flat of her back.

The Latina had recognized her; it was definitely the one who saved her from the brute that Saturday night.  Of all the schools in LA, she had to attend this one.  When Kasey fell to the floor in a heap she couldn’t help but smile.  Thankfully no one noticed the smirk as she continued to carry on with the conversation with those around her.

‘She sure looks different without running mascara. She’s…breathtaking. Literally…’  Kasey smirked and shrugged at the thought, brushing it off.  “Well, time sure flies when you’re making an ass outta yourself.” And with that she picked herself up off the ground. “It’s a gift.”  Aiden interjected.  “That it is.”  She took her seat next to Ashley and flipped him off with a smile.

“So Aid, why is it you haven’t asked her out yet?”  Kasey knew he hadn’t answered Spencer earlier; this was a little payback for the smartass comment.  He hated being called out on something he dearly wished to avoid.