Friday night came. I made sure that the living room was fine. But of course, nothing was wrong with it. I just made that excuse up to sound as if I was doing something because Alyson was busy in the kitchen making drinks and popcorn for tonight. Why was I not in the kitchen? Let's just say that cooking wasn't my cup of tea.

Ding Dong!

The doorbell rang. I went to the door expecting to see Dwayne, but instead I saw Aaron with a big grin stretched across his face.

He looked good wearing only a dark blue shirt and beige knee-length shorts. His hair was wet – he probably took a shower before going here. He looked as though he was going to the beach, while I looked like I was going to bed – seeing as I was only wearing a loose white t-shirt and plaid trousers that looked like pajamas.

"Aren't you going to let me in?" Aaron suddenly asked.

I looked at him evenly. "Were you invited?"

Aaron rolled his eyes before saying, "I thought we're already passed that."

"That depends," I said. My eyes searched his hands. "Did you bring any food?" I asked expectantly.

"No," he answered. "But I ordered pizza," he added, smiling.

"Good enough, you can come in," I considered as I opened the door wider to let him in. "Go straight to the living room. You do know the way, don't you?"

"I've been coming here my whole life. What do you think is the answer to your question?"

"Grouchy tonight, aren't you?" I said, frowning a bit, as I closed the door. "Don't tell me you're starting to have PMS."

Seriously, he was so crabby these past few days. What was up with him? He had been bad-tempered since... since he met Dwayne last Wednesday. What didn't he like about Dwayne? Just because he wouldn't join the basketball team didn't mean he was to be hated. I mean, yeah, he said bad things about the sport but it was just because he didn't like it. We all had our own opinion on things. Dwayne might look like he was an athletic person but he really wasn't.

Let me clarify that I wasn't sticking up for Dwayne. But I just expected that Aaron would at least be happy that someone like Dwayne chose to be my friend. He wasn't forced or anything. Because frankly, I was not exactly the type that someone would usually befriend in high school – especially if that someone wanted to fit in that jungle.

Hmmm... A sudden thought came to my mind. This must be what Aaron felt like between me and Annabelle. Wow. Not a pleasant feeling at all.

"That's just your imagination, D," said Aaron, shaking his head as if I said something far-fetched. He entered the living room, settling himself on the right side of the couch.

Before I could reply, the door bell rang again. Now, I was sure that the person behind the door was Dwayne. I opened the door, and I was right.

Then, I froze.

I remembered all the chick flick movies I watched. You know when the leading man turns up at the leading lady's doorsteps for a date looking all neat and handsome, carrying flowers? Well, that was what Dwayne looked like with his V-neck long-sleeves and jeans. And instead of flowers, he was carrying a plate of lasagna.

"Hi," said Dwayne, smiling at me.

"Cool," I said, eyeing the lasagna. "You brought lasagna."

"Prepared it, too," he said a-matter-of-factly.

I stared at him. "You make pasta?"

He nodded, grinning now. "Yeah, it's easy." He paused, studying my facial expression. "I can guess from that look that you don't cook."

I didn't answer.

"I can teach you some time," he offered.

I laughed. "Right," I said sarcastically, "like I'll let you die in dissatisfaction with my masterpiece. No thank you."

"Try me," dared Dwayne.

I studied his face, looking for any hint of humor. After a few seconds, my forehead creased in the realization that he was serious. Why did he say that? Did he really have the patience to teach me how to cook? No guy had that kind of patience, you know.

First, Aaron. Now, it's him. Gosh. What was freaking up with boys tonight???

"Oh good, the pizza's here," said Aaron out of the blue.

He walked passed me and Dwayne. I peeked outside; I didn't even notice that the pizza has arrived. Dwayne and I watched Aaron as he paid the pizza guy. I felt my mouth water seeing those five boxes of pizza. I could almost smell it from where I was. And then, it was ruined by a sudden statement by the pizza guy.

"Hey! You're Aaron Ford! Awesome! You really inspire us, man. My little bro and I look forward to seeing you play on the first game of the season."

"Really?" asked Aaron humbly. "Thanks, dude."

"Yeah, my little bro wants to grow up like you someday," the pizza guy continued. "You know, playing basketball. He told me that he wants to inspire people by doing his best in something, like you do in the game."

At times like this, I usually roll my eyes. But as the pizza guy was saying this, I looked at Aaron. I saw something sparkle in his eyes. His face glowed as if one of his dreams came true. There was this mixture of softness and happiness that made him glow. And instead of rolling my eyes, I absent-mindedly smiled. I felt proud of Aaron. You could make someone be happy. But to inspire someone to have a dream that also motivated other people to do their best was not easy to achieve.

When they finally said their good-byes, we went inside. Aaron placed the boxes of pizza by the table. Dwayne did the same with the lasagna as he sat on one of the armchairs. I, on the other hand, sat beside Aaron on the couch. I tried not to smell much of the pizza. Otherwise, I might not wait for Alyson and eat all of them.

"You're here early," Dwayne commented conversationally.

"That's one of the advantages of living next door," said Aaron, shrugging.

Dwayne was mildly surprised when he said, "Oh, you live next door." It wasn't a question.

After that, there was an awkward silence. I could feel the pressure in the room. Why didn't they talk to each other? And which person should I talk to first? Ugh. This was so uncomfortable.

"So, where are your parents, Dakota?" asked Dwayne, breaking the silence.

"They're at a car dealership association party," I answered.

My parents were also with Aaron's parents. They were business partners, after all. Ironic, wasn't it? Mr. Ford was a car dealer while his only son didn't own any car. Aaron had been begging his dad for one. I didn't know what Mr. Ford was thinking, not letting his own son have a car. I mean, Aaron was the only jock in school I know who didn't have a car. He wasn't showing it, but I know it bugged him big time.

"By the way, D," Aaron piped in, as though he just remembered it. "Mr. and Mrs. E passed by the house earlier, they told me that they'll be coming home late. So they asked me to stay with you and spend the night here."

He told me that as if it wasn't a big deal. It really wasn't. It was just that – I don't know – we weren't kids anymore? And that I was in love with him so it would be hard for me to hide my feelings? It was difficult enough that I kept it from him every single day. I didn't think I could do that twenty-four seven.

"Oh, I forgot that I'm only an eight-year-old kid who needs a baby-sitter," I said sardonically.

Fate was really torturing me. How very sweet of him – or her. Whatever.

"Come on, D," said Aaron soothingly. "They're just worried that some pervert might – you know – take the chance of you being all alone here without any dude in the house since Jase is away for college." Maybe it was just me, but I could swear I saw him glance at Dwayne when he said 'pervert.' Before I could really think about it, he added with a cocky smile, "Face it, they trust me with you."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "I guess they're forgetting the fact that you won't be by my side forever, A."

Aaron stared at me with what I said. I stared back at him.

That was the sad truth. I was watching him slip away from me. I know it was melodramatic, but the bus ride to school was just the start. Annabelle proved that she could somehow control Aaron's relationship with me. I wouldn't be surprised if she took it to the next level.

Dwayne cleared his throat, breaking my eye contact with Aaron.

"Aaron's right, Dakota," said Dwayne. "You better let him stay here. I'm sure he's not a pervert."

The way he said that... it was as if there was a double meaning. But then Alyson came inside the room.

"And it's a tie," she sang while she carried a tray of drinks and popcorn.

"What, a tie?" I asked, frowning in confusion.

"Did I say 'tie'?" asked Alyson innocently. "I said 'pie.'"

"Why would you say 'pie'?"

"I just felt like saying it."

I shook my head. She was so weird sometimes.

"Let's just start the movie," I declared.

Alyson turned off the lights before taking her seat, while Dwayne set the DVD player up. He was assigned to choose the movie we were going to watch tonight.

"What movie did you bring, Dwayne?"

"It's one of my favorites," answered Dwayne, smiling widely, "The Sound of Music."

Uh-oh.

I alertly looked at Aaron. I saw him sharply take a breath. I noticed the goose bumps on his arms. When the movie started, he was as still as a stone. Oh no. The memories must be coming back to him.

Aaron had an awful experience with that movie. When he was seven years old, they often visited his grandmother in Chicago. He was terrified by her. Every time they spent their weekend there, his grandmother forced him to watch The Sound of Music. It was her favorite musical, you see. So for her sixtieth birthday, Mr. Ford's whole family decided to have a reunion. As a gift, they made a skit from The Sound of Music with Aaron and his cousins as the characters. Unfortunately, they were short of girls. Being the youngest, they made Aaron be one of the girls. Mr. Ford didn't protest because it was also a request from his mother.

Dressing up like a girl, wearing make-up, and singing in front of their entire family was the worst experience for Aaron as a kid. He never watched The Sound of Music again.

If it wasn't for the fact that it was a serious matter for Aaron, I would have laughed my head off with that story. You'd think that someone like him didn't have any weaknesses. But even Superman had his kryptonite.

I looked around, thinking of some way to stop the torment for Aaron. Because knowing him, he wouldn't say anything to show even a tiny hint of flaw.

My eyes landed on the cold glass lemonade on the table. I casually leaned closer to grab one. As I was leaning back on the couch, I purposely dropped the glass on him.

"What the –" Aaron cried out, jumping up in startle.

Dwayne and Alyson instantly turned their heads to us.

"I'm so sorry," I said indifferently. "I didn't mean to do that."

"Uh-huh," said Aaron skeptically. "I can see that you're very emotional about it," he added, seeing my effortless acting.

"You guys just go ahead and keep on watching the movie," I told Dwayne and Alyson as I stood up. I looked at Aaron. "I'll get you a dry shirt," I said, then paused. "Or you could go home since your house is just next door."

Aaron raised an eyebrow at me. "Or you could stop being lazy and save me the trouble."

"Now why would I do that?" I asked sweetly. "Troubling you is my pleasure." I continued to walk toward the hallway.

"You don't mean that," said Aaron confidently.

I stopped walking. I turned around to face him.

"How can you be so sure?"

He smirked. "Because I know you well enough to say so." He leaned closer to me as he said those words while passing by me on the way to the bathroom.

My heartbeat involuntarily accelerated, remembering how close his face was to mine. I could feel my face heat up.

I bared my teeth. Grr... Freaking jock...

After getting one of Jason's shirts, I went to the bathroom to give it to Aaron. I was about to open the door when I froze mid-way. Why, because Aaron was shirtless. I had seen him shirtless millions of times before, but not this near. I could practically feel the heat from his hot body!

I quickly composed myself before entering the room. I handed the dry shirt to him. He studied me attentively as he stretched his hand to grab the shirt. He didn't put it on. He just continued to stare at me. So I stared back. But I was really getting self-conscious. Plus, I was having a very hard time keeping my eyes from his lean body. And that six pack abs of his was mouth-watering – oh my God, I was turning into a girly girl.

A few moments have passed, I really couldn't take it anymore.

"What?" I asked him, very much annoyed.

"Why aren't you attracted to this?" Aaron asked curiously, gesturing to his well-defined body.

Oh, gosh. I thought. If you only knew how hard it is to pretend otherwise.

"Should I be?" I asked calmly.

"Most girls are."

Yes, I'm one of them. Now, put your shirt on before I lose control!

"Wow, aren't you very modest?"

He chuckled. "No, seriously."

"Well," I sighed, "maybe that's why I'm your best friend."

Yup, it had its ups and downs. And seeing him shirtless was definitely one of the ups.

"I guess you have a point," he said, nodding. I was such a good liar. "Now I understand why I don't get attracted to your body," he added thoughtfully.

I scoffed. "H-How da–" I stuttered. What was happening to me? Why can't I think of any good sarcastic reply to that?

At that moment, Aaron laughed. He ruffled my hair.

"Just kidding, D."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever, jock."

I turned my back to him and headed for the door. Unexpectedly, I felt warmth on my hand, stopping me. I looked down on my hand and saw Aaron's hand firmly holding it. I looked up at him.

"You spilled lemonade on me on purpose, didn't you?" he asked. His eyes told me that he was serious.

"No, I didn't," I said, obviously lying. I can't help it. Even though my mind told me to lie, my heart was dazed through my brown eyes to his bluish green ones.

Without warning, he pulled me closer to him in order to hug me.

"Thank you, Dakota," he whispered in my hair.

My whole body froze. My brain thought non-stop.

One part of my brain said, "Yay! The love of my life is hugging me!"

While another said, "He's hugging me, while he's shirtless!!!"

Although, a rational part said, "Shut up! Don't freaking think! Just treasure the moment while it lasts."

And so I did.

But then, he added,

"You really are my best friend."

...

I know. What a fascinating way to ruin the moment.