It was just past four thirty that afternoon, and Teresa and Grace were both sprawled over the redhead's bed.

"Do you want to stay for dinner?" Grace asked, breaking the comfortable silence the two of them had been in.

"I can't," Teresa sighed. "I have to go home in-" she leaned over to check the blue alarm clock on Grace's nightstand. "Really soon. Sorry."

Grace groaned. "Do you want to sleepover tomorrow night?"

"I can't," Teresa avoided her friend's eyes and started to tie her shoes.

Grace sat up pouting. "Why not?"

"I have plans," Teresa tried to reach across Grace to grab her bag, but the girl snatched it up before she could reach it.

"Plans?" Grace raised one of her eyebrows. "With who?"

"Give me my bag," Teresa said, but Grace crossed her arms over her chest.

"Not until you tell me who your plans are with."

"They're with nobody." Teresa moved around the bed until she was a foot in front of Grace.

"You're lying to me. Trying to hide the truth chips away at your spirit."

"What?"

"Tell me who your plans are with." The girl's eyes met and they both stared at each other until Teresa let out a frustrated sigh.

"I'm going over to Patrick's house."

"Patrick? What are you hanging out with him?" Grace asked, but she handed Teresa her bag, and the other girl snatched it back.

"Just to… Hang out. Why do we need a reason?" Grace stared at her and Teresa sighed, bouncing on her heels. "I kissed Patrick."

Grace gasped, and Teresa dropped back down on the bed and Grace jumped next to her. "Really?"
"Yeah… Well, he kissed me but I sort of kissed him back."

Grace squealed and wrapped her arms around Teresa. "This is so exciting! Teresa has a boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend," she grumbled quietly, a blush creeping up her neck.

"Wait…" Grace unwrapped her arms. "When did this happen?"

"Yesterday."

Grace's lip quivered. "It happened yesterday and you weren't going to tell me about it?"

"I just told you!"

"Yeah, because I made you tell me." Grace's shoulder slumped down. "Were you planning on keeping it a secret for the rest of your life?"

"Grace it's no big deal-"

"It is a big deal," Grace laid down and Teresa did too. "But… If we're sharing secrets now then you should know that I'm going to a party with Wayne tomorrow night." Teresa's eyes widened. "Really?"

"He asked me if I wanted to go to Craig's party tomorrow night as his date."

"And you're going?"

"Yep!" Grace smiled.

"Grace, why? He's barely talked to you since seventh graced and you're going out with him?"

"Um, that's not true. He sat with us yesterday."

"Yeah, yesterday. Did he talk to you at all today?"

Grace pursed her lips. "I don't see why you can't just be happy for me. This is what I've wanted since… Forever!"

Teresa rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I have to go."

Friday

It was deadly silent at their lunch table the next day.

Patrick sipped his green tea carefully and glanced at Cho, who actually looked somewhat disturbed by the silence just as much as he was. Patrick raised his eyebrow, and Cho shrugged.

"How did you guys do on the History quiz?" Patrick asked cautiously. He waited, but no one answered his question. "I aced it… Can you guys believe it?" His question was left unanswered yet again as Cho sent him a kick and a firm glare that clearly told him to leave them alone.

So the table was silent until the bell rang.

So, I wanted to note in this chapter that this story doesn't take place in California. Don't ask me why, but I'm saving the Sacramento setting for something special. I have no idea where I do want it to take place- so bear with me as I figure it out. Thanks!

And also- whoever spots the Van Pelt quote in this chapter gets a shoutout in the next chapter!