It was obvious by then. Whether I was happy about it or not was debatable, but I just had to admit it. After all this time with this incredible, frustrating boy, I knew I cared about him. It was obvious from the way I couldn't bare having him mad at me.

With Hannah at my side in the mall, we went to a store with weird gimmicks. Hannah was looking for a birthday gift for Archer and I was just looking at the journals and notebooks there. They were special ones with tasks and such in them, reminding me of the notebook Axel gave me. And before I knew it, I spotted it along with some other ones. Curious, I went to them.

My eyes immediately then landed on a notebook that said Twenty-Five Reasons Why I Can't Stop Thinking About You and I smiled. I picked it up and stared at it, knowing it was similar to the one Axel gave me. My cheeks reddened as I had this sudden urge to give it to him. Knowing I never did get him anything, I decided to actually do it.

Bringing the book to the cashier, I then purchased it. Even though Axel had forgiven me, I knew that I should get him something. It only made sense after he had for me.

*****

    "Here," I said, handing the notebook to Axel.

    My hands were slightly shaking as I handed Axel the notebook and I felt vulnerable, knowing I was confessing what I truly thought about him in it. With him right in front of me, about to view it, I felt nauseous with nerves.

    "You didn't have to," Axel said, staring at the small, blue book with amazement. "Zoey, I'm flattered."

    "Don't read it now," I said, flustered. "Please."

    "But." Axel pouted at me. "I have to know what you gave me."

   I shook my head, feeling sweat build up on my forehead. We were outside and it was hot, but I knew I wasn't sweating because of that.

    "Why not?" Axel asked. "Come on Zoey.

    "It's embarrassing," I answered, knowing it was with the books title still not read by Axel. "Read it at home."

   "Please Zoey."

    "No."

    "Fine." He sighed. "Five pages. That's all."

    I shook my head. School was almost over. He could wait two hours to read it.

    "Five pages." Axel gave me a sad, pleading look, earning him a groan. "That's all I'm asking."

    "Fine," I grumbled. "Go ahead."

    "Okay." He grinned, eyes moving to the title. "Twenty-five reasons why I can't stop thinking about you."

    Axel paused at the title, causing me to blush. He didn't react, but his eyes lingered on the title, causing me to want to die with embarrassment. Thankfully, he then went to the first page.

    "I can't stop thinking about: how infuriating you are," Axel read, raising his eyebrows.

    He flipped the page. "How annoying you are."

    Axel looked at me then as if to ask if I was serious. I grinned sheepishly and he shook his head. But, I was glad to see that he was smiling.

    "Your awful charm," he read next, flipping the page. "Your dumb jokes."

    Axel laughed and I did too. I wondered why I felt vulnerable to show this.

    "Is this books underlying message about why I'm a horrible human?" he asked.

    "Whoops." I grinned. "You've caught me."     

    Axel shook his head and flipped to the fifth page. He paused at the page and I blushed, remembering what I had written there. I looked down shyly.

    "You're kind of sweet." He grinned at me. "Aw, do you really think that?"

    "Shut up," I mumbled.

All of the sudden, he flipped to the next page. "You're kind of funny too."

"Hey!" I exclaimed, reaching for the book. "Five pages only!"

Axel laughed and stepped back, but I kept going for him. I was so embarrassed and Axel looked so pleased that I wanted to jump off of a bridge. Knowing I wanted him to stop, I tried to reach for the book, but Axel held it up, leaving me huffing with frustration because I could never reach it. I hated him.

"I hate you," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "I hope you know that."

"This book says otherwise." Axel grinned, causing me to blush.

Shaking my head, I turned around. It was lunch and I had no intentions of staying here longer. Not when Axel was so frustrating with his ways.

    "I'm going," I said flatly, walking off.

    But before I could go anywhere, a hand was suddenly wrapped around my wrist. It pulled me back lightly and I turned around to see Axel staring at me with wide eyes. Instead of getting mad at him for touching me, I just stared at him. And to my surprise, he blushed.

    "Go on a date with me," he blurted out.

    My eyes flew wide with surprise. I did not expect his words and not knowing what to say, I just stared at him, dumbstruck. I wasn't sure if he was serious.

    As if he read my mind, he said, "I'm serious Zoey. Go out with me."

    "Wh-what?" I stuttered out, surprised.

    After all this time, I forgot what Axel's intentions were with me. I had forgotten that he wanted the stupid kiss from me and suddenly, my defences were flying up. Remembering that Axel was probably using me, I stepped back, hurt. I thought we were friends, but it seemed like I was wrong.

    Axel seemed to sense something was wrong because he said, "It's not because of the kiss. Forget about the stupid kiss. I'm just asking you, who drives me crazy, to go on a date with me."

    I stared at him, feeling wary. This didn't seem right. For some reason, I couldn't believe Axel wanted to go on a date with me for reasons that weren't impure. Mom had taught me that boys - especially high school boys - always wanted something from you.

    Not knowing how to reject Axel, I said, "You know I don't date boys I don't like."

    "Zoey," Axel said softly. "Fine. It doesn't have to be a date. Let's just go somewhere and hang out. I just want to spend time with you. Is that so wrong?"

My heart stuttered at those words and I found myself blushing. Looking away, I wondered why I was being so difficult. Why was I always so stubborn with Axel? Shaking my head, I told myself that this was fine. We were just going to hang out as friends.

"Okay," I said. "Let's hang out."

"Really?" Axel seemed surprised, yet relieved.

I nodded. My insides felt warm as excitement bloomed across his features.

"Okay, after school? Is that fine?" he asked.

"As usual, you work fast." I smiled. "But sounds good."

Axel grinned and I stared at him, wondering how I got here. How in the world did I end up being his friend. When did I become able to stand him - most of the time.

Remembering something he said, I said, "By the way. It's you who drives me crazy."

To my surprise, delight was suddenly expressed in his eyes. "I sure hope so."

Not knowing what he meant, I blinked. Axel laughed and the sound was a lovely one that brought a smile to me. And to my utter surprise, I found myself becoming excited for our hangout.