Disclaimer-don't own anything except the plot

edited 5/21/11

(1 week later-following Friday)

As Kim waited for her brother to finish getting ready for school, she slowly analyzed the previous events leading to end of the week.

She was an idiot. If an award could be given for stupidity, she would be a main contender for the biggest of all the morons in the world combined award. All week she had tried her best to keep her will strong and ignore Jared. Only it wasn't working.

The first Friday, she called Jared's home phone in hopes to apologize for her 'harsh' words. She'd had quite a nice chat with Mrs. Thail. Nice being an interpretive word. All she had wanted to do was apologize for her rude—however righteous—actions from earlier. Instead, she had to endure a ten minute conversation with his mother, a woman that was not afraid to ask rather personal if not embarrassing questions. And it had gone something like this…

Hello?

Hi, is Jared there?

No, this is his mother, can I take a message?

Oh, no. That's alright. Do you know where he is?

Yes, his friend's house.

Oh. Can you just tell him I called? Kim that is?

Kim? Are you his girlfriend?

No. Definitely not.

Friend?

Ah, I don't think so. It's about school. Look, I'll just call back later.

Are you sure? I could just pass it along once he gets home.

Uh. No, it needs to be done in person. Thanks though. I—

And to make a long story short, the woman would not let her hang up. It had been a good 15 minute conversation, mostly of her asking questions, and not letting Kim hang up. Hence Kim eventually making the excuse that her brother needed to use to phone. She wasn't sure if Mrs. Thail believed her, but Kim liked to believe so.

After that initial first night, Kim shut herself in her room for the rest of the weekend. Her father thought the whole situation was hilarious, thanks to Kyle's detailed retelling during dinner. She couldn't face the shame of how embarrassing her tantrum had been. What must her fellow class mate's think? Paul even laughed when he saw her get the paper on Sunday morning with her bed hair in full disarray. Though she wasn't sure if that was just from her appearance or because he too enjoyed her words from Friday. She ignored him anyway, with her head held high.

Paul was nothing but a nuisance anyway. A nuisance that happened to be Jared's best friend.

Monday was probably the worst day. She felt nervous and sick all morning, getting agitated the closer she got to the school. Laura kept glancing her way in the car, assessing her health. She'd pointedly told her that if she got sick in the car, she was done driving for the remainder of the school year. Kim knew she wasn't serious, but the thought of getting sick simply over the chance of seeing Jared only made her stomach twirl even more.

Of course when she did get to school, Jared smiled at her and walked away. Yes, walked away. Kim hadn't known whether to smile back or be sick. How was she to interpret that smile? Did it mean he forgave her? Did he plan a secret revenge against her that come later that day? She couldn't figure it out. When she waited for history class that day to arrive, she was thoroughly disappointed when Jared sat at the back of the room, away from her. He didn't even acknowledge her when she came in. It was unnerving. She thought about apologizing right there in the middle of the class room, but ignored the thought. If he couldn't acknowledge her even after her outburst, then he wouldn't care if she apologized or not. At least she told herself so, to keep her guilty conscious at bay.

Tuesday was much the same. Jared ignored her, and she tried not to notice. Laura told her to shrug it off, that Jared wasn't worth it anyway, but Kim still felt the sting of his dismissive glances. Paul seemed to think the whole situation hilarious, for he laughed through most of history class that day. Kim remembers looking back at the pair sitting in the back of the room. Paul snorting at an upset looking Jared. She just knew they were laughing at her, but she couldn't prove it.

Wednesday, she decided to have a sick day. She needed to take a break from the Jared drama. Plus, she was a second semester senior in her final year of high school. She felt entitled to take a day to reward herself for such a committed relationship to education for most of her life.

Thursday had been confusing. Kim still felt guilty over her temper tantrum in class, but no one else seemed to share her sentiments. She contemplated apologizing to Jared again, this time with Laura's full support. Laura claimed it was getting annoying listening to her whine all the time about what to do about Jared. When she arrived at school, Kim noticed Jared talking with his stupid clique of Sam cronies in the hallway. When she walked past, a few of them snickered. Kim was suspicious, but didn't have the time to confront, nor did she want to. When she opened her locker, a large piece of paper fell to the ground. Kim had raised an eyebrow but picked the small scrap with messing writing non the less. It had said, I'm sorry.

To say she was happy Jared finally apologized would be a lie. She was annoyed. Why couldn't he say he's sorry to her face. She tore the paper to shreds and hoped one of his friends saw. She didn't want to deal with this like little school children, afraid of confrontation. In history class, she seethed as Jared offered her a small smile like his note would suddenly make things better. She walked right up to him while others were entering the class room. She looked him straight in the eye and stated, "If you're going to apologize, say it to my face."

Jared didn't even blink, only raising his eyebrows in question, "You told me to never talk to you ever again. What else was I supposed to do?"

She had no response. What could she say, Thank you?

That had occurred yesterday, and currently as she waited for Kyle, Kim wondered how she had gone from grateful wall flower in the social scene to center of La Push drama. The whole senior grade was closely watching Kim and Jared to see what would happen next. Letting out a moan, she began to knock her head, rather repetitively, against the kitchen table.

Why did Jared Thail have to be a stupid prick that sometimes acts nice and sometimes doesn't? If she didn't adore her long hair, she would pull it out in frustration.

What would Jared pull today? Would he make a banner this time and hang it up for the whole school to see? Would he announce something over the PA system? She knew her imagination was getting away from her, but she feared Jared would do something embarrassing. He didn't seem to care about those things anymore. Ever since he joined Sam's club, he stopped trying to fit in.

What really annoyed her was that not only did her stupid conscious bother her during the day about stupid Jared, it bothered her at night too. So now not only did she feel like crap on the inside she looked like crap on the outside. Yes. This was exactly what she needed to boost her self-confidence. To march into school looking like a homeless person. She had just decided to get her hair wet, and put it in a messy bun, accompanied by a bright head band she had gotten at the local drugstore a few weeks ago. It was her 'I-don't-give-a-shit look'. She also had on a t-shirt and some comfortable sweats. She looked like a slob, yet she couldn't find the strength to care or change. Besides, who did she have to impress? Certainly not Jared. He either ignored her, or gave her weird stares that only led to confusion.

"Aw Kimbo, if you keep that up, I'll need a new desk," a warm voice murmured from above her. Kim looked up and saw her dad grinning at her with two coffee mugs in hand. She had the grace to blush, and mumble a soft apology as she slowly sat up. He reached out to hand her the steaming drink, and instantly she felt more awake, and ready for the day. It was amazing what a few sips of caffeine can do to a sleep deprived person. It was even made the way she liked it—two packages of sugar, and one cup of cream.

"Everything alright?" he asked as he walked back into the kitchen to continue getting ready for the day. He was still in his pajamas, and had terrible bed hair, but she didn't mind.

She didn't know how to answer. Should she tell him that no, everything was not alright? No, he would only laugh. Kyle had turned her father to the dark side along with half the student body, the half that enjoyed her discomfort with Jared.

So she lied. "Yeah. I'm just tired, that's all." Well it wasn't a complete lie. She was tired.

Besides, they both knew that he knew why she was tired, so it wasn't that big of a deal.

Her dad seemed to believe her though, for he only shrugged and continued to make his breakfast—consisting of Honey Nut Cheerios, and some bananas. He was attempting to be healthy after his doctor had reprimanded him for having high cholesterol. So to fix it, he took the advice of a cereal box and began to eat Cheerios everyday for 6 weeks. It just ended up sticking, and for a year now, it's all he's willing to eat in the morning.

"Kimbo?Any plans toninght?"

She shook her head. Tonight, she planned to just sit at home and relax with her good friend Mr. ice cream.

Her father looked conflicted, "Linda and I have a movie date tonight here at the house, do me a favor and go out with your friend's tonight alight?"

"O-Okay," she blurted, not sure of what else to say. It was Friday, so she figured she could round up Laura or someone to chill with. He nodded and returned to his breakfast, his shoulders visibly more relaxed. Odd. Unless he had other plans with Linda-Ew. She would not go there.

"Kim—I'm leaving!" Kyle called from his room, not even a second later he added, "Now!" as he walked out the front door.

"Yes sir," she muttered softly before grabbing her book bag. It was Friday, and she needed to come to school today if she wanted to catch up all her missed work from Wednesday by the following week. Call her a nerd, but she hated being behind in school. It sucked up all her free time, and got her on the bad side of the teachers. Something that really sucked, when it came to grading time. They claim that they don't have favorites, but that's a lie. Everyone has favorites, whether it's about a candy bar or a novel.

How was she going to confront Jared today though? After all, she spent the whole night trying to think of something witty to remark as to why he should still apologize in person despite her remark about leaving her alone. He could apologize first and then leave her alone. She wouldn't have a problem with that; at least she figured she wouldn't.

She decided the best way to handle the situation would be to apologize first and then confront him about his lack of manners. That way her conscious is guilt free, and she can teach him something about respect.

Should she wait outside before school starts and confront him as he walks into school though? Plan it so that she just sort of bumps into him, and mentions an apology as they walk to their first class? No, she decided. With her luck, she would trip or something. Or she would have to apologize in front of the entire school, because they would all listen in and focus in on him and her—which would be problematic though essentially unavoidable.

She shouldn't put herself in an awkward situation like that—yes it would be better to do it one on one. That way she could word it however she wished, and not worry about the rest of the school thinking she was some major bitch. To late though. Some girls now respected her, while others seemed to lose respect. She couldn't bother with them though. She would finish school in a few months and then she could leave.

She slowly made her way to Kyle's car—his baby he claimed—and plopped down on the velvety fabric. Just a year ago, Kyle saved up all his summer job money to purchase a knock off Jeep from an old friend of their fathers. Lola, he called it. If only because it was painted a faded blue, the color of her old stuffed dog—which she coincidentally called Lola. Odd, she knew, but she couldn't explain what exactly her brother had been thinking when he named the jeep, though in his defense, he was wasted. He thought it was hilarious, as did his friends, so ever since, the name stuck.

"Finally," he muttered as she buckled her seat belt into the car. He put Lola into a slow reverse and got halfway through the driveway, when he swore and pulled back up.

Kim looked up confused, "What?"

Kyle shrugged, looking around for something. When it was obvious that he couldn't find it, he opened the car door and sprinted inside. Leaving her alone. In his car, with the ignition still in. She reached over and turned the radio to her favorite station. It was all annoying talk show, but sometimes they did a special segment that focused on prank-calling people. Sometimes the concept was funny, and others it was just stupid, but she enjoyed it all the same.

The longer it took to get to school, the more time she could plan about how to deal with Jared. An idea that was fine by her.

She stared out the window, watching a lone bird fly into their neighbor's tree. It squawked and ruffled its feathers as it settled onto the branch. She watched it for a while, entranced by the freedom the bird had. It just wasn't fair. She was finally ungrounded, and now she was torturing herself with this whole Jared mess. Stupid free bird and its freeness she grumbled under her breath.

"Nice car," a gentle tone said, breaking her inner tirade. She blinked. She knew that voice, but what was he doing on this side of town?

She dropped her gaze from the bird and down to the handsome boy leaning against his red civic. It was Jared of course, looking like the morning sun with his tight T-shirt and ripped jeans. She could swear she saw the muscles in his arms ripple a few times in the light. Yes, ripple. This was bad. Very bad.

He stared at her expectantly, as if he were waiting for her to respond. Was he? Had he said something? Oh yes, "Nice Car." This was jeep though, not a car—if you technically looked at it. She should respond though. With what? Was it better to be clever and witty, or scathing and vengeful after yesterday? She just couldn't decide, so she just went with a simple nod. It was safe, and vague enough to save her from all the trouble of talking.

He accepted it, and continued, "I didn't know you lived here."

She had to suppress an eye roll, figures boy wonder wouldn't know where she lived. It wasn't like they had lived in the same small reservation for all their lives. No, silly of her to expect so much of him. It was a moment like this that she remembered why she didn't like Jared like all the other girls. Past all his beauty, he was an idiot; an idiot that said rude and often hurtful things.

She decided to ignore his comment by adding one of her own. She decided to add to the effect by flicking her hair back—despite the fact that it was in a bun—in one motion and inspected her nails. She raised her voice loud enough for him to hear across the yard in what she hoped was in a dismissive tone. "What are you doing here?"

He blinked. "Uhh, what?"

She sighed and looked him straight in the eye. "Jared, I asked you what you were doing here?" she said in the type of tone a mother might use on her child.

He blinked again, like he just couldn't comprehend what she'd said.

"Paul." When she didn't say anything he continued somewhat lamely, "Paul that is. I came to give Paul a ride to school."

She nodded. He just looked so vulnerable all of a sudden. Was it the sunlight? No. Was it that he was embarrassed? Probably, she thought, but his new lack of confidence helped bring back up all the guilt she had been feeling. Suddenly overwhelmed, she looked away.

"I see you're talking to me. Didn't think you'd have the guts."

Jared smirked a little. "Just waiting for your permission. I'm still hurting from last friday."

She should apologize now; get it over with while no one is around. Yes. This was fate working in her favor for once this past 24 hours. "Speaking of last friday, I...uh…I need to tell you something," she started somewhat pathetically. Her voice even betraying her by cracking on the last word.

Jared nodded, his eyes lit up with an excitement she hadn't seen in quite a long time.

"I'm…sor—"

"Found it!" Kyle said as he bounded out of the front door holding a CD. He paused when he saw Jared standing in Paul's driveway and Kim leaning out of the window. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked, his eyes dancing with mirth and his eyebrows raised .

Kim was the first to react, "No. Not at all. Jared was just commenting on how he didn't know we lived next to Paul."

Kyle snorted, rather awkwardly as he made his way to Lola. "Really Thail, you should start to pay attention, you've only lived here how long? Oh yeah, you're entire life. Every time I talk to you, I hear something more stupid than I thought possible, even for you."

"Kyle!" Kim protested, feeling bad for Jared. Was it seriously just insult Jared Thail week? If so, than Kyle and her were doing a good job.

Jared didn't respond though, it was like he wasn't even paying attention. He was only staring at Kim, a forced straight face aimed in her direction. His fists were clenched too, but he didn't look that angry.

At the same moment Kyle got into the jeep, Paul walked out of his house, coffeecake in one hand and a juice box in the other. Kim had to suppress a laugh at his face when he registered that Jared was here already and he was staring at them. He made this strangled choking noise that sounded slightly like laughter. Maybe he thought it was funny too, or maybe he just heard what Kyle had said and was laughing about that.

Kyle revved Lola's engine as he put the jeep into reverse and backed out of the driveway.

He stopped halfway into the street though, because he grabbed his CD and popped it into the stereo system.

She could only shake her head, as she realized that she had been so close to apologizing and actually having and good day, and Kyle had to ruin it. She took back what she had said about fate. It must really hate her.

00oo00oo00

What had she wanted to say? She was about to say something, and then her idiot of a brother had to interrupt. He needed to remind Paul later to get back at the prick. Speaking of Paul, the guy just hopped into his mother's civic and turned the radio up like he owned the car.

"Dude."

Jared waved him off though, still watching the blue jeep drive off down the road. He hoped Kyle was a safe driver. It didn't look like it though, judging by the way he took that last turn—a bit fast and without a signal. Really, Kim deserved better.

"Dude!"

But that would be how she would get home today though, wouldn't it? His eyes narrowed at the thought of Kim getting a ride home from her brother—who Jared now deemed incapable of driving. Period.

Kim was too important to risk her being riding with a mediocre driver. She needed someone that actually knew what they were doing. Besides, Kyle was a pothead, a danger to himself even. How dare he accuse him, Jared, of doing drugs when he's the one passing out at parties because he has too much fun. Idiot.

But he had been surprised to find out that Kim lived next to Paul. All this time, he'd only been one house away from his soul mate. At the sudden realization that his friend had forgotten to mention the other day that his imprint lived right next door, Jared whipped around to glare at the boy who was currently throwing his empty juice container in the back of the car.

"Paul," he all but growled.

Paul looked up innocently, acting as if the entire encounter he had eavesdropped on had not cracked him up. "Yes?"

"Why didn't you tell me Kim lived next to you?" Jared asked, with a slight hurt.

"It never came up. I mean come on man, you've only thought of her in that way for one freaking day."

"Doesn't matter. From now on, if it has to do with my imprint, I want to know."

Even Paul, who had absolutely no sensitivity chip, got the message. "Yeah. Fine. Just chill out."

Jared nodded, and turned the car on, backing out of his friend's driveway so that they could make their way to school.

"I just wish I knew what she was going to say," he finally complained to Paul as they turned off onto the main road.

"Are you serious? Dude, she was just going to apologize. Even I could figure that out," Paul snickered, as if the thought of Kim apologizing were hilarious.

"Really?"

"Yeah. It was obvious."

Obvious? Had it really? All he could remember was how amazingly beautiful she had looked with the sun reflecting off the glass. If she really did feel bad about something, then he wanted her to apologize so that she could feel better. Did she feel bad about yesterday? How terrible. He was the one out of line, not her. He hoped she hadn't beat herself up about the whole ordeal, though it might explain why she looked so tired.

Oh, God. He was the reason she looked so exhausted. It had only been a week, and he was already making this harder on her then it should be.

But he could use this in his favor. Yes, she would use her apology as an excuse to talk to him, and he would take it. As selfish as it sounded, he needed to spend time with her. And maybe, he could use her guilt to work in his favor. Yes. This might turn out to be a very good day. After all, he'd followed his mothers advice and blatantly ignored her whenever she was watching. Of course he had been watching her the entire time, but Kim didn't need to know that. He then put the note in her locker on Wednesday, only Kim had stayed home that day. He'd been so nervous while he waited for her to find the note. When she tore it up, he felt like screaming. Could he do nothing right?

Kim would realize one way or another that he really wasn't that bad; most of the time.

00oo00oo00

It was the end of the day, and her mission to apologize to Jared right before history class, had turned into an epic fail.

He had gone back to sitting with Paul in the back of the room, so she hadn't wanted to make a scene and talk to him back there. If she had, people would've stared, and then she would've embarrassed herself. So she stayed on her side next to Laura, and kept imagining how she would eventually apologize. Figuring she could just catch up with him after class in the normal traffic jam to get out of the room. Only, he had rushed out of class as soon as the bell rang.

She couldn't find him at lunch either. In fact, Paul was gone too. That alone was odd, because Paul never missed a chance to eat lunch. It was probably his favorite period of the day.

The day had dragged on.

When the final bell had rang, signaling the end of the day, she had let out a sigh, resigned to wallow in her own misery at her failure when she got home. She had asked Laura about hanging out later that night, but wished she hadn't when Laura informed her that she planned to spend the night at Greg's. Gag her. Seriously.

So she was destined to spend the weekend alone, and in misery since Jared seemed unable to talk. Kim walked outside, ready to just wait by Kyle's jeep. Only, she noticed a crowd of people around said jeep. She made her way, getting closer, until she was through the circle and right next to Kyle.

"Oh my God!" she whispered, in shock at what had happened.

Kyle only groaned as he crouched down to inspect the damage. Someone had slashed two of his tires, making the spare kept in the back, pointless. This was obviously a hate crime, because nothing like this ever happens in La Push. If it had been one tire, then it could be played off as a flat tire or something, but two? That was unheard of. Kim was just in awe, that someone would do this to Lola. Kyle was practically in tears, because he would not have the money to pay for this. And their dad would definitely not pay for both tires.

"Kim. I think you should just walk or find a ride or something. I need to call dad to find out what to do. Unless you want to hang around?"

She shook her head. The last place she wanted to be right now was school, and on a Friday no less. So she readjusted her backpack and cleared her way through the crowd. She might as well get used to walking now that Lola was destroyed. She would be walking to a lot of places now, and during the rainy season. Wonderful.

She was still on the main road, slowly making progress when she heard a car pull up beside her. Creepy. She ignored it, but the person kept driving so that the passenger window as right next to her. Finally caving into her curiosity, she nearly stopped when it was Jared that was looking back at her.

"Need a ride?"

"No," she stated firmly. She would not give in. Not. But it would be nice not to walk for a while. She was already so tired—exhausted really, so, "Okay fine."

His whole face brightened. "Great."

"Do you know where I live?" she asked as she buckled herself in.

"Uh yeah. I picked up Paul this morning, remember?" he asked in a tone that indicated that he didn't actually remember all that well, but he wanted to pretend he did. Did that make sense because she really didn't understand either. It was like Jared was putting on this act but she couldn't understand why.

She nodded though, having completely forgotten about their tiny conversation. Her entire focus had been on the current goal of apologizing to Jared, not her failed attempts. She had planned to reflect on those later.

From where Jared picked her up though, she had maybe 10 minutes to actually apologize before they reached her home. It was now or never, otherwise she could kiss the weekend goodbye. So she turned to face him, twisting around in the seat so that her back was to the passenger seat window. "I need to ask you something."

Jared turned to look at her briefly, before glancing back at the road. "Should I pull over?"

"No." If he did, then the conversation could turn very personal, very fast. And she didn't need that, she just needed to get this off her chest before it killed her.

Jared nodded, gripping the steering wheel in what she assumed anticipation. She took a deep breath before saying what she'd wanted to say for days now. "I'm sorry. About yesterday that is."

He looked at her for a moment, pondering her words. His face looked to be in deep thought as he brought his finger up to scratch his chin. Whatever he was deciding, she hoped he would hurry. The car ride was almost over, and she wanted the guilty feeling at the pit of her stomach to disappear.

He made an 'hmmm' sound deep in his throat as he shifted his weight in the seat so that he was facing the dashboard rather than her.

She had to suppress an eye roll—how long did it take to answer a question? It was either 'yes I forgive you', or 'no.' She glanced at the clock, already regretting apologizing in the first place—at the rate he was going, she would be here all afternoon.

The silence was just awkward and the now the growing gleam in Jared's eye was slightly disconcerting. He looked to be fighting a smile as he opened his mouth to finally answer her question. "So you think I'm an asshole?"

She fought the urge to drop her jaw like a fish. Not sure where he was going with this she decided honesty was the best policy. If she lied, it might come back bite her later. "Yes, but I shouldn't have screamed it in front of the entire class like that." She looked away, afraid to see the hurt in his eyes.

There was a moment of silence until he surprised her yet again.

"Yes that was quite rude," he drawled with a knowing smirk.

She looked up in confusion to see Jared full on grinning now. For some reason, he thought the whole situation was entertaining for he continued, "In fact I think you owe me now, after embarrassing me like that in front of the entire class. It would only be fair—don't you agree?" he asked as his grin was replaced with the smirk again.

She frowned as she processed his words. Did he just call her rude and then demand she do something for him? How did that even work, when she was the one apologizing? Why was he smiling all the time? This was hard enough as it was without him showing off his perfect white teeth. It just wasn't fair—she wanted to agree with him just because he was so handsome. But she had to stay strong, otherwise her pride would get the best of her, and she would feel shame for the rest of the night. Guilt was bad enough, no need to add shame she decided.

What was she supposed to say though? When had this gone from a simple apology to Deal or No Deal? How had Jared gotten the upper hand in this situation? Arghh! She just wanted to grab at her hair and scream—this was all just too complicated.

Jared coughed though, breaking her trance. He still had a gleam in his brown eyes, but now there was a slight frown marring his flawless features. Kim mentally slapped herself for letting her mind run away with her. This was not the time to over analyze everything.

"And what would you suggest I do?" she asked raising her eyebrows—an action she had picked up from her father. She hoped it would bring him down a peg or two.

Jared coughed again, suddenly losing his boyish twinkle as he looked away. She couldn't help but think he looked extremely vulnerable. A trait she had never seen in him before. He was always so confident and quite frankly—stand offish. He had always been the expensive toy that only a few people could touch, let alone buy. She had always been the kid that got the cheap version of the toy. Just look at what happened with Luke.

In a flash though, his old confidence was back and he stated, "Well I figure a kiss might make up for it."

She blushed slightly, but turned away before he could say. He wanted to kiss her? They didn't even know each other. Did he think she was like some of the girls at school that just kiss any guy that gives them attention? Not that she judged them, or at least she tried not too—after all it wasn't her business. But still, did he think a kiss would make her bow down to him like all his past girlfriends?

She felt a bit honored that Jared would want to kiss her, but self-respect overruled all other thoughts. She would not kiss him, especially only if he thought it would make up for insulting him yesterday. He was lucky she had such an abusive conscious that it made her feel compelled to apologize in the first place. He had no right to put her on the spot like that. Annoyance surfacing her eyes, she told him with as much strength as she could muster, "No. Try something else."

He frowned slightly, probably not used to be turned down for a make out session. They sat in silence for a few moments before he smirked again, "Okay that can wait for later for when you go on a date with me. In fact, I think that's what I want you to owe me—a date."

She only stared. Did he just ask her out? No, she thought, he didn't ask her out. He told her she should go out with him. There was a difference. A big one. Who did he think he was just going around telling her she had to go on a date with him in order to be even? Anger bubbled up inside her, the patience she had for Jared dropping quickly.

Sure he was good looking, practically a Greek god, but did that mean he could decide the terms of this apology? She's the one that started this conversation in the first place! Was this how he got all the other girls to go out with him? By demanding dates—and in their daze and raging hormones, they agreed?

Standing her ground she said in what she hoped sounded calm, "I already apologized, and that should be enough. I don't owe you anything."

He stared back, obviously prepared for her avoidance. "Yes, but I'm still quite hurt. You're words really had an impact on my entire day."

She snorted in response, before blushing from embarrassment. "I doubt that. Why would you care what I said? We're not friends."

She looked away when he frowned at her words. She must have offended him again, something she seemed to do a lot lately.

"Ask Paul, I was a wreck, and it was your fault. A date would definitely make up for the misunderstanding though," he murmured with no malice. He was trying his best to get her to look at him. If his plan was to work, he needed her to see how serious he was.

"I can't," she stated. He frowned, "Why?"

She hoped she looked convincing for she never had been very skilled at lying. "I'm busy."

He didn't miss a beat though, "That's okay, so am I. I don't mind waiting for a day when you're free."

This boy was relentless she thought. "It's too bad that I won't have any free days until summer."

"Wow, me too. What a coincidence? It's probably better we wait until then anyway," he paused to take a breath, "that way when you fall madly in love with me, your grades won't drop," he stated with confidence and certainty.

Kim felt her jaw drop and heart speed up. He said when you fall in love with me, not if. It was just plain weird how sure he was of this relationship. She hadn't even said yes yet and he probably already had their future kid's names picked out. This is creepy, very creepy. Who the hell did he think he was?

"Oh, did I say summer? I meant never," she quipped, hoping he would take the hint.

"What a shame. I guess we'll just have to do the date tonight then," he stated, already pulling out his phone with equal cheeriness.