*Owens POV*

"Everyone put your field trip money in the box." Mr. Davidson looks like he doesn't want to be here.

I don't want to be here either.  A few students sigh in annoyance as they take out their money.

Walking up to his desk, I drop in fifty bucks.  I don't know why I'm paying to go on a school field trip to New York when I could just drive there.

Levina and Luna are going, so I'm going to go as well of course.

As I turn around to walk back to my seat I see Madeline looking up at me with a flirty smile, batting her eyelashes.

I roll my eyes and calmly sit back in my seat, leaning back against the chair. I hate these stupid fucking chairs, my legs are too long for this shit.

Madeline doesn't know how to take a damn hint.

I made the mistake of "hooking up" with her last year, if that's even what you want to call what happened, and now she sends me a flirty smile every chance she gets.

I just wanted some head.

She gets up from her seat and "accidentally" drops her pencil on the floor and bends down slowly  to get it, flashing me.  Then she drops her money in the bin with a mischievous smile on her face.

I massage my temples, of course this bitch is going on the trip.

I'm not one to call women rude names, but god she is annoying.

As the word annoying floats around my mind I begin to think of Luna.

That pretty, smart yet dumb, overly positive, strange, awkward, random girl.

I have no idea how she manages to smile so much.  She is also quite unpredictable, saying whatever comes to her mind. It's like she has no filter.

Mr. Davidson drops my graded math test on the desk, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"A+" is written across the top in big red letters.

School is pretty easy for me. It just comes naturally, except I still study a lot.

I plan to have a career in engineering and in order to do that it requires a lot of work and managing to keep good grades. Being an engineer has been my dream job since I was seven.

I know it sounds childish, but I still like to get back good grades and show my mom. Seeing her proud of me makes me feel better. It encourages me to muster up the energy to try to do good.

The bell rings, everyone stuffs their stuff in their backpack and quickly dashes to the door.

I sling my back pack over my shoulder as I begin to walk out, but before I could start down the hallways a manicured hand grabs onto my arm.

"Hey I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime?" She twirls a piece of her long blonde hair with her finger.

"Listen...not to sound harsh, but you tried to suck my dick once. And I barely remember it. I don't like you, leave me the fuck alone." Her smile fades and I walk away.

I know that may have sounded rude, but I don't care. Some people just don't get the hint so you have to be brutally honest with them.

My pace picks up as I walk to lunch.  My day has been kind of boring and I'm intrigued to see what strange thing Luna is going to say today.

I also have the book she wanted to read with me.  She better return it the way I gave it to her.  I don't think I have anything to worry about though because she looks like she cares about her books as if they're her kids.

Suddenly some girl I recognize from math class comes up to me.  Her brown hair is long and she has a round face with bright blue eyes.

"Hey! My math grade is flopping...like really bad, and I need help.  I saw that you got an A so...can you help me?" She clutches onto her binder, obviously nervous.

"Uh- sorry I can't, I'm really busy...but you can ask Jerome." I tilt my head to the dude standing down the hallway.

I'm not busy, at all, but I don't have the energy to tutor some girl that I don't even know.

Jerome is a chill guy.  He has light skin with short dreads.  A nose ring decorates the right side of his nose.  He is also tall as fuck.  I'm 6'2 yet he is almost a head taller then me.

Her eyes find him when she turns her head.  Her mouth goes ajar.  She looks as if she has just fallen in love.

The girl who's name I don't know finally looks back at me, slightly at a loss for words.  "Thanks dude."  A grateful smile sits on her face.  She starts walking to him, not looking back once.

I think I just witnessed love at first sight.

The big ass lunch room is crowded with annoying teenagers.  Without even thinking? I walk to where Levina is sitting.

She always gets here first, I swear this girl must be Dash from The Incredibles or some shit.

"Hey loser." She takes a large gulp of orange gatorade.

"Hey." I sigh and sit down next to her, dropping my bag on the floor.

"Okay so I need girl advice." She kicks my calf.

"Hit me." I cross my arms and lean my elbows on the table.

Suddenly she punches my arm.  Hard.

"What the fuck was the for?" I rub my bicep which is now stinging.

"You told me to hit you." She shrugs.

"It's an expression you fucking dumbass." I knew she was dumb, but not this dumb.

"Oh..." She scratches the top of her head.  Yeah, oh.

"Well anyways!  Okay so basically Olive and I have been hanging out together a lot. And things aren't exactly...official. So, what do I do? Do I ask her out soon? Should I wait? I don't know what to do I'm stressed." She starts biting on her hot pink acrylic nail.

"I say just fuck it and ask her out. Put on your grown woman panties and do it." I grab her bag of Original Lays and start eating them. She doesn't even notice since she is too lost in thought.

"You know what? You're right. I'm gonna woman up and do it." She slams her fist on the table over dramatically.

I half smile pulls at my lips and I nod my head, agreeing with her.

Suddenly I see Luna walking up to the table.

Today the two front pieces of her hair are pulled to the back of her head, held by a brown claw hair clip.

The brown nicely contrasts the darkness of her long straight hair.

Mom jeans and converse adorn her lower half. A baggy sage green vintage looking sweater hugs her up half loosely.

"Stop staring you look like a creep." Levina mumbles to me while nudging my arm with her elbow.

I avert my gaze, hopefully Luna didn't see me staring.

"Hola mis amigos!" Her calming voice seeps through my ears.  Her voice is soft, except not too soft.  It's not high pitched, and it tends to crack a lot.

"Hey." Levina says dragging the 'y'.  She snatches her chip bag back from me when she realizes it isn't in front of her anymore.

"Hi Owen, how was your day?" Luna reaches across the table and pinches my cheek.

I like when she does that.  I would never admit that to her though.

"Hi moon.  My day was okay...I guess...I got an A on my math test so I guess that's good." I stare into her dark brown eyes.

"Moon?" She tilts her head to side in confusion.

She looks cute when she does that.

"Luna means moon in Spanish...I thought you knew Spanish, how did you not know that?" I explain.

Realization finally hits her.

"I'm bad at putting two and two together." She frowns, "Okay I get it now." She clasps her hands together.  "You got an A on your math test?"

"Yeah." I shrug, it's not a huge deal.

Her face lights up. "Do you mind helping me with my math homework?" A pleading look is held in her eyes.

"Uh...sure. I drove here today so just wait for me near the back entrance." She nods in appreciation.

Her and Levina start talking about periods.  I zone out, only picking up a few words they're saying.  Why are they taking about their vaginas bleeding as they eat?

Levina hits my arm with the back of her hand, taking me out of my daze. "This weekend you guys should come to my indoor pool."

"You have an indoor pool?" Luna looks mesmerized at the thought.

"Yes." Levina smirks.

"I mean...I'm down." She looks a little hesitant to answer, but she still seems excited at the idea.

"Great!" Levina claps her hands together in excitement.

"You in Owen?" She turns to me.

"Sure." I have nothing better to do with my life.

Once lunch ends Levina runs out the Cafeteria so she isn't late to class since her asshole teacher will give her detention.

Remembering the book Luna wanted to read, I take it out of my bag and hold it out to Luna as she stands up from the bench.

"Don't ruin it." She smiles gratefully at me before she takes it gently. Her thin fingers skim mine.

"Don't worry, I won't." As I walk around the table to pass her and leave, she hugs me.

I freeze, caught a little off guard.

Slowly I hug her back, her head resting near my shoulder.

I hate to admit it, but her hugs are comforting.

As quickly as she latched herself onto me she breaks away.

A little too quickly for my taste, but it's whatever I guess.

"You looked like you needed one of those today." She pokes my cheek.

I need one everyday.

I won't admit that though.

~

There she is.  Standing by the back entrance, waiting for me.

She wore glasses today.

She should wear them more often.

The book I gave her at lunch is in her hands, an intrigued expression rests on her face as she leans against the wall, her converse are peeking out from the bottom of her jeans.

When she finally notices me she places her bookmark in the book and smiles at me.

"Hey feo!" She wraps her arm around my shoulders from the side as we walk out the doors and into the parking lot. I'm taller than her by around seven inches so she is kind of struggling to hold on, but she manages.

"What does feo mean?" I don't pay attention in Spanish class.

"It means ugly. But don't worry, I don't actually think you're ugly. If it makes you feel better I actually think you're good looking." She pats my cheek with her hand.

She has a strange fascination with my cheeks.

"Thanks?..." I turn my face away. I can feel my cheeks warming and I don't want her to tease me about it.

"Omg...I just realized I'm finally gonna meet your cat!" She jumps from excitement a little at the thought.

"Flora doesn't really like people so don't be disheartened if she scratches you and runs away." We both get in the car as we carry on our conversation.

"If she scratches me I'll step on her just like I did to that frog." Her voice comes out monotone, lacking the usual emotion it holds when she speaks.

I stop moving, slowly turning my head to look at her.

She meets my gaze, keeping a straight face.  Her big black frames taking over her face.

She begins bursting with laughter, snorting, sounding similar to a pig.

"You should've seen your face!" She starts coughing from laughing so hard.  I pat her back as she continues coughing and laughing.  "Don't worry, I'm not gonna step on your cat.  I'm not into animal cruelty."

"Well...that's good." I nod my head, not exactly sure how to respond.

Luna puts on 2000's music as I drive to my house.

In my peripheral vision I see her nodding her head along to the music. A soft hum coming from her follows the melody of the songs.

One thing I admire about her is how she does what she wants, and doesn't care whose watching.

Soon we arrive to my house.

My dad is still at work, of course.

Mom is sweeping the floor.

"Salut maman." She immediately lifts her gaze from the floor to me, her expression warming.
(Translation: Hi mom.)

Her eyes flick to Luna and go wide, she meets my eyes again and looks shocked but also impressed.

"Hello." She stalks over to me and gives me a quick hug.

"This is Luna." I gesture to Luna. Luna smiles brightly at my mom and waves excitedly.

"Hi Mrs. Laurent!" She hugs my mom. Mom looks delighted by her kindness.

"Are you dating my son? You're too pretty for him." She pulls away from the hug and sweetly rubs the sides of Luna's arms before letting her arms drop to her sides.

My eyes widen. "Mom..." Luna looks over to me, face pink.

"No ma'am. He's my friend." She clears her throat uncomfortably.

"Oh...well that's disappointing. Anyways, I need to sit, my back problems are acting up. Have fun with whatever you two are doing." She sighs as she sits down on the couch and turns on the TV.

Embarrassment fills me.  Looking over to Luna her face is red and an uncomfortable smile is plastered on her face.

"C'mon." I place my hand on her lower back and lead her to the stairs.

The steps creak below our feet. I watch her converse as she walks up the stairs.

I walk in front of her once we reach the top, she follows behind.

As soon as we enter my room she nosily looks around, taking in every inch of the bedroom.

"I thought teenage boy bedrooms were supposed to be messy. Why is your room so clean and nice?" She looks astonished.

"Because I don't like messy rooms." I respond, dropping my bag on the floor and taking out my math work.

"I love your book shelves!" She skips over to them and start scanning all the books.

What is it with this girl and skipping, odd.

She snaps out of her state of awe and looks back at me before walking over next to me on the bed.

She plops her ass right next to me. Sometimes I feel like this girl has never heard of personal space.

Looking unbothered by our close proximity, she takes her math notebook out of her bag and opens up to the section she is having trouble with.

I clear my throat when she looks up at me.

"Okay let's begin." She hands me one of her pencils and I quickly look back down at my notebook.

She smells good, like roses.

~

"I don't get it! What the fuck is that?" She aggressively points her pencil to an equation on the paper.

We have been working for the past twenty minutes and I'm already getting more tired then I already am. She is finally starting to understand the fucking work but it feels as though I have to explain it over and over again.

I just keep trying to remind myself to try to have patience. Even though I don't really have any of it to begin with.

I take a deep breath.

"Just look." I meet her eyes, which are already staring at me waiting for me to explain.

"First...do this." I drag out slowly as I write an equation on her notebook. My arm is crossed over hers.

"Okay now what?" She glances up to me, our faces are very close. My face heats up when I see her eyes skim my entire face, zeroing in on my lips. Her lips part for a second before she closes them again.

I lick my lips while staring into her eyes, a little unsure of what to do.

"Earth to Owen?" Suddenly she flicks my forehead.

I snap out of my thoughts.

"Uh...what? Oh um- yeah." I look back down the paper.

I usually don't get this nervous about anything. I think I'm sweating.

Why am I sweating?

We continue going over the problem, about five minutes later she finally understands it.

"Okay, now where is your cat?" Her eyes light up at the thought of Flora.

Without saying a word I get up and bend down, looking under the bed.

Flora climbs out once she sees me, I pick her up and she licks my arms as I hold her.

Luna gasps and claps her hands together. "Hi linda!" She gently rubs Flora on her head with the tips of her fingers. (Translation: Beautiful.)

I like when she speaks Spanish. It sounds pretty.

A small smile tugs at my lips when I guide Flora into Luna's arms. She holds the cat calmly as she speaks to her in a higher voice, saying some endearing phrases in Spanish that I don't understand.

At least Flora seems to like her.

All of a sudden her phone goes off and her smile falters.

Luna doesn't talk much about her home life. Well, neither do I. Except I do remember her saying how her dad is an asshole and that she has two siblings.

"Oh by the way, how is the bruise on your arm doing?" She looks back at me and places Flora on the bed.

"Uh- it's getting better! I need to stop falling." She lets out a pathetic laugh and nervously looks around.

I'm not one to pry in peoples lives, so I'm kind of anxious to ask why she looks nervous.

"Um...okay..." I place my notebook back in my backpack on the floor.

She looks at her phone and then quickly shuts it off.

"Yeah! Um well I gotta go, see you later!" Before I could even say anything she places her stuff back in her backpack and stands up.

"Wait, I'll drive you." I stand up.  It would be rude to make her walk home.

"No it's okay.  This is literally the only form of exercise I do, I wanna walk." I reluctantly nod, respecting her wishes.

"Okay well, bye Owen, thanks for helping me!" She places a quick kiss on my cheek. The side of her face skims mine.

Oh.

"Uh- ye-yeah bye." I need to get my shit together, I sound pathetic.

She waves goodbye and heads out my room.

Soon I hear the front door shut after she says goodbye to my mom.

I should've walked her out like a respectful person, but I'm frozen in my spot.

I can still feel her warm lips on my cheek.

My face is probably pink right now.

It's not that I like her, it's just that I wasn't expecting that.  That's all.

My mind wonders off to what strange thing Luna might talk about or do next time I see her.

It's like a fun guessing game to think of when I'm bored.