Undefined

        Alyssa couldn't stop staring at Justin in class. Remembering his strong arms tight around her waist she couldn't help but softly sigh.

        "If you don't want our secret to be out, stop looking at me like that and sighing."  Justin warned without as much as a glance in her direction.

        Alyssa couldn't help it but to smile brightly. "How do you know I'm watching you and not the chalkboard?"

        "The feeling of your eyes on me is electrifying. It's taking all that I have not to scoop you up and carry you out of here."

        Giggling softly, she asked, "Where would you take me?"

        "Anywhere you wanted as long as we were together." he replied.

        Her heart melted at those words. "Oh, Justin that's so sweet."

        "Where do you want to go for lunch? Back to my place?"

        She couldn't help it but to feel a bit down at the offer resting her chin in her palm while tilting her head. "I can't. I'm eating lunch with Dana."  

        Justin casually turned in his seat making complete eye contact before replying. "Can't you see how much I need you?"

        With burning cheeks, Alyssa averted her eyes from the flash of excitement he revealed to her. "I'm not sure that's something a secret friend should be saying."

        "When you turn away from me like that it just makes me want to hold you in my arms and crush your lips with mine again."

        "That's definitely not what a secret friend would say." Alyssa complained all the while trying to steady her racing heartbeat. 

        "Did we do things yesterday that only secret friends would do? If you kiss Charlie or Paul the way we kissed you, might find yourself in a little bit of trouble." Justin quipped with a smirk.

        That remark was the one to make her bury herself in her hair. She had yet to really come to terms with what was happening between them. She couldn't even tell Jenny about her very first kiss because she wasn't even supposed to be hanging out with him. So, if not secret friends, what are we? She asked herself just as the bell rung followed by Mrs. McKellar’s dismissal.

        Justin waited until she and he could exit at the same time.

        "Very," Alyssa replied walking toward her usual spot outside. "Dana will be waiting so you should go your own way now. Talk to you later."

        Dana was speaking before she even sat down. "I can't believe it! You won't believe it!"

        "What is it?" Alyssa asked joining her.

        "Philip invited me out to dinner! Can you believe it? I can't believe it! I waited forever for this day to happen! I never thought I would be so nervous, it's a good nervous though but still," her hands flying this way and that as she spoke.

        "She shouldn't get so worked up." Justin commented as though he were standing right beside them.

        Alyssa quickly skimmed the area.

        "What are you looking at?" Dana asked with furrowed brow.

        Alyssa shook her head. As Dana continued chatting on obliviously, she spoke with Justin. "Where are you that you can hear us?"

        "Close by," was all he said.

        "This may be the first time I honestly don't know how to act around him. I don't want to seem too desperate or anything."

        "Says the girl who was stuck onto him like glue during the dinner party," Alyssa thought to herself.

        "I heard that." Justin teased with a chuckle.

        "What? How is that even possible? You told me you couldn't read minds!" Alyssa accused.

        "I can't. You were connecting with me unconsciously.  It means we're growing closer."

        "I've always hoped this day would come and now that it's finally here all I can think about is our first kiss." Dana continued sighing into the sky.

        "Finally, something I have in common with the gypsy. I can't stop thinking about our first kiss, SooKyung. How soft your lips are, your hand through my hair," Justin revealed.

        Alyssa threw her hands on her cheeks to cover her feverish blush.

        Dana trailed off. "What are you doing? Please tell me you don't already have plans today."

        "Actually, you do." Justin reminded her.

        "S-sorry, I have to study for my learners permit. Maybe wear something to bring out the color of your eyes." Alyssa suggested.

        Dana gloomily took a bite from her sandwich. "It's fine. I'll be fine. You need to study. I can go out all on my own. I have to understand you won't always be available."

         "That's right, gypsy."

        "Justin!" Alyssa smiled, "What time is the dinner for? I will cut my class short if I have to."

        "Thank you so much Alyssa! You won't seem like a third wheel or anything. When the time is right you can give us a few moments alone."

        "Wait, you want me to go to dinner with you?"

        "Yes, weren't you listening to me earlier? He's taking me to out for Mexican, Rosa’s Café. Do you like Mexican?"

        "Yes. Jenny's father, Julio, is Mexican and a wonderful cook thankfully because Molly can't cook to save her life. One night we had a girls’ night. Julio and Tucker spent the night at a cousin’s house. First, she insisted on baking cookies from scratch. She carelessly threw in ingredients together and decided that adding more sugar would make everything alright. Of course, it didn't and the cookies weren't even good enough for dog food. Thankfully, Jenny already had some cookie dough in the fridge for such an emergency. She opened the fridge and along with the cookies she retrieved the cheese enchilada casserole with a note attached. It said, food poisoning is frowned upon, Molly. Love, Julio," Alyssa giggled. "That was the best night."

        "Sure sounds like it. You talk about them more than you do your own family." Dana pointed out.

        "There isn't much to tell about my family. My parents are constantly working. It's always been that way. I don't mind though. I'm very aware of how fortunate I am to have all that I have." Alyssa explained. "They are loving and just so adorable together, always looking on the brighter side of life."

        "Something to be admired, I would say. My father is the exact same way when he's home. I do wish he didn't travel so much but he’s a pilot through and through. Or should I say a gypsy with wings instead of a caravan. When he gets together with mom it is ridiculously disgusting how they are. Always kissing and oh-my-gosh! I actually walked in on them doing, you know, the dancing flowers."

        Dancing flowers? Alyssa thought in confusion.

        "It was the most shocking moment of my life. This is the kind of reason why I accept him traveling so much. I do not want to go through that again. Yuck!"

        "Dancing flowers?" Alyssa mumbled in deep thought.

        "How babies are created." Justin provided.

        Alyssa's mouth fell open.  “Oh-my-gosh! You poor thing! I've, thankfully, never had that experience."

        "I do hope to have a fulfilling marriage like theirs someday, with Philip." Dana said sweetly.

        "I hope so too. I promise I'll be there." Alyssa assured her.

        "You can go above ten miles per hour, can't you?" Justin asked curiously.

        "The answer to that question would be no." Alyssa answered stiffly, as she gripped onto the steering wheel. "Where are we going anyway?"

        "Since we have to stay a secret, we're going out of town to Nell Valley." Justin answered.

        "I hope that's not too far. I have no idea where anything is around here." Alyssa's voice was very high-pitched in anxiety.

        Justin took a deep breath. "Turn right at the next light."

        "Turn right. Got it."

        "You're really going to be a third wheel for Dana tonight?"

        "Yeah, I checked with my parents everything is squared away." Alyssa answered making the right turn.

        "I had hoped you would change your mind and join me for dinner instead."

        "No, I can't." she said eyes glued to the upcoming big yellow sign. "Wait. What does that sign, say?"

        "Thirty west," Justin provided with a smile.

        "Is that a ramp? Is this a ramp?" Her pitch became higher with every word.

        "You are going to have to pick up your speed or we'll get in a serious car accident. Even worse the cops could pull us over."

        "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!"

        "Calm down. Accelerate and keep up with the flow of traffic. The speed limit is fifty." Justin said brushing his hair out of his eye. Justin watched as she shifted her eyes countless times from the speedometer to the road. "Alyssa, you're still only at twenty miles per hour and we're almost on the interstate. Step on it."

        "I am! Don't rush me!" Alyssa yelled in frustration.

        "There's no helping it." Justin stated before laying a hand on her jeans lightly pressing down her leg.

        Without much provocation Alyssa slammed down on the gas. "What are you doing!"

        “Forty-five, fifty. Good job honey." He rejoiced patting her leg. "Now just relax and drive. Even if it's scary sometimes you have to just go for it."

                "Alyssa! Thank heaven you're here! What do you think of this dress? Navy usually brings out my eyes. They should be here any minute. Come in." Dana rushed her into her room. "How was the class?"

        "Exhausting," Alyssa replied honestly. Justin just threw me out into the jungle without a second thought., she added silently. Although she was a little proud of herself for not completely freaking out she was still very annoyed by the whole ordeal. She swore she would somehow get him back for such a stunt.

        "Dana, Charlie's here." Caresa called from the living room.

        "Charlie?" Alyssa asked sitting on her desk chair.

        "Yeah, Charlie is coming too. Didn't I tell you?"

        "So, it's like a double date?' Alyssa jumped to her feet. I am so not ready for this. Faded old jeans, a hello kitty t-shirt and hoodie is not a going out for a date outfit! But really, what am I freaking out about anyway? It's just Charlie.

        Charlie knocked at her door. "Philip will meet us there. Let's go."

        Dana finished putting on her hoop earrings and knee high boots before opening the door and grabbing her jacket. Long high ponytail bouncing as she walked. Alyssa followed close behind.

        "Have fun," Caresa encouraged before closing the door behind her.

        Charlie was dressed in a similar style to Alyssa making her feel more relaxed as she watched him open the passenger door. Dana was the first in and was quick to pull the front seat back into place for Alyssa to sit beside Charlie.

        "So, how's it been Alyssa?" he asked, pulling off.

        "Good. How has your training been going?"

        "I haven't actually gotten employed with a gym yet."

        "That's not the kind of training I had in mind. I recall someone needing to touch up on his duck hunt."

        Charlie laughed. "Don't you worry about, me. You should be focusing on every other game."

        "Is that just a way of saying you can't beat my score?"

        "Oh, please stop!" Dana begged in agony

        Charlie and Alyssa couldn't help it but to laugh.

        "You don't play games?" Alyssa asked glancing over her shoulder.

        Charlie gave a triumphant laugh. "She stopped playing because she could never win against me. She's the biggest sore loser I know."

        Dana decided the comment wasn't worth her reply but couldn't help saying. "What is this crap on the radio? Change the station. All the whiny music is giving me a headache."

        "How about I just turn it on classical?" Charlie suggested turning the dial.

        "Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata." Alyssa noted.

        "You know classical music too?"

        "Yes, I'm trained in piano and play the flute in the school orchestra."

        "I need music with words and a beat." Dana clarified.

        Charlie turned the volume up some more. "Some of the greatest music has no words, Dana."

        Alyssa agreed. "And the total ability to express exactly what you're feeling without words is amazing."

        "Let's not forget the capability of putting everyone asleep." Dana sarcastically added trusting forward to reach the radio dials. "Yes, hot ninety-three point five!"

        "Where is the restaurant?" Alyssa asked as they got onto the highway.

        "Nell Valley, just the next town. We could have gone locally but I hate stop lights." Charlie answered.

        Locally! There was an easier way! You are so dead Justin! Alyssa sat brooding until they arrived at Rosa’s Café. This restaurant was slightly more high class than she expected. She was hoping for something more casual. The walls were a simple pearl white with matching lighting all around. The chairs were what looked like microfiber in all different colors.

        "Um, looks like they've changed a few things since I've been here last time. We're with the Powell party." Dana said to the hostess.

        It's like seeing him for the first time under all this lighting, Alyssa thought as they joined him. I didn't even notice he was bald. What does she see in him? I'd be terrified he'd kill me.

       Dana sat beside her across from Philip who greeted them all with a broad smile.

        "Hi, Alyssa."

        Alyssa was speechless could only smile and nod. Was his voice always this deep? It practically vibrated the table. Somehow, she missed this during the party. 

        "It's really nice of you to invite me out." Dana said. "I had a serious craving for grilled chicken quesadillas."

        "I just wanted to find a way to thank you for all that you do. You are quite a girl." Philip replied just as the waitress dressed in black with a matching hair in a pixie cut style.

        "My name is Selina; I will be your server today. Will you be ordering appetizers?"

        Philip glanced around to see if anyone wanted anything.

        "No." They all replied simultaneously.

        "Are you ready to place your orders then?" 

        "Yes, grilled chicken quesadillas with iced tea." Dana said.

        "I'll have the same with strawberry lemonade." Alyssa chimed in.

        Next was Charlie. "I will have the grilled steak burrito with water."

        "I would like the Rosa Supreme with a root beer." Philip ordered handing over the menus to Selina.

        "Excellent choices! I will be right back with your drinks." She grinned briskly walking away from the table.

        "What's all in the Rosa Supreme?" Dana asked Philip.

        "Two grilled steak burritos, beef enchilada and beef supreme taco with rice and beans." Philip answered.

        "That's it?" Dana asked concerned. “Won't you be hungry?”

        "No, I ate pizza earlier," his eyes suddenly pinned to look at Alyssa. "You were hanging out with a vampire."

        Alyssa's heart froze. "What?" All eyes were on her.

        "I've killed so many of them I can smell the difference."

        "Did you just say smell?"

        "Yes. You smell like one."

        "Well, you know I do go to school with the two and share a class with the one and we did kind of bump into each other as we were leaving today that's probably it." Alyssa's heart felt as though it was going to explode. Lying was not something she liked to do nor was she any good at it. 

        “Here are your drinks,” Selina popped back in distributing them to each person and saving Alyssa from further scrutiny. 

        “This is the first place I’ve been to in PA aside from Covington Point.” Alyssa smiled sweetly, knowing her lack of knowing the area would change the subject kill time for sure until the meals came. 

        She was right.

        "Alright two grilled chicken quesadillas, grilled steak burrito and the Rosa Supreme. Enjoy," Selina winked as she left this time after bringing their meals. 

        "Service certainly is fast here." Alyssa commented to her never more grateful to have a meal in front of her. The conversation about her vampire associations would have to wait for sure and she was going to make sure they wouldn't get the chance to bring it up again. If I stick to the plan, keep my mouth full, at all times and make the bathroom my new best friend if need be, all will be well. Not completely paranoid at all, she thought sarcastically, this isn't about me anyway. It's about Dana and Philip.

        For the most part she was able to manage just what she had planned. Keeping her mouth full as they talked about football, something she had no interest in anyway.  Charlie and Philip said they would pick up the check, so Alyssa and Dana decided it was the perfect time to freshen up in the bathroom.

        "You've been very quiet ever since Philip mentioned vampires." Dana said freshening up at the sink.

        "Have I? It's just a really uncomfortable topic for me." Alyssa answered honestly.

        "You talked to Charlie about it so I hoped you would feel a little more comfortable about the whole thing. Unless the uncomfortable part has nothing to do with what they are and more about Justin?" Dana raised an eyebrow.

        "What he is has everything to do with it." Alyssa stated vigorously washing her hands.

        Dana didn't seem to give it a second thought to Alyssa's relief however she still couldn’t help but nervously rambling as she grabbed the paper towel offering her a piece.

        "I really like to use this machine. It's one of the most sanitary ways of drying hands these days. I also keep a napkin in my purse for opening the door. I used to do the same thing with turning the water on. I'm so happy they put the sensors in the bathroom."

        "You are always so full of surprises. How's the flower coming along?”

        "It’s almost in full bloom. It's really very beautiful." Alyssa commented as they joined the guys on the outside of the restaurant.

        "Let's take a walk around the lake to burn off some of those calories," Dana suggested walking beside Philip ahead of Alyssa and Charlie.

        Philip was quiet, as usual, but Dana was unsatisfied with it tonight. When is he going to come out with it? She thought impatiently. "It was very nice of you to invite me out."

        Philip smiled down at her. "You deserved it. You have made my healing process so much easier. I don't always tell you how much I appreciate you."

        "That's really very sweet of you. Thank you." Dana wrapped her arm around his. "Phil, are you interested in anyone? Are you dating anyone?"

        “Why are you asking?"

        "Well, you never talk about women with me."

        “That’s right.”

        "Well, why not?" Dana whined.

        "Because those minor details should stay between your brother and me," he replied.

        Minor details? Dana thought dropping her arm to her side. "Does that mean you are seeing someone, but it isn't serious because there's someone else you truly love?"

        Philip laid his arm around her shoulders. "It means that it stays between your brother and I. I promise if I ever plan on getting married, you'll be the first to know."

        What is that supposed to mean! Dana thought in anguish.

        Dana isn't known for being quiet so Alyssa and Charlie couldn't help but overhear the conversation. 

        "I didn't expect you to be here. Dana never mentioned." 

        "That's because my little sister is trying to set us up."

        "She certainly doesn't hide that at all." Alyssa giggled. 

        "I am not seeing anyone, at the moment. It's obvious she thinks highly of you if she wants you and I to get together."

         "Why aren't you seeing anyone? According to Dana's, future plans you should already be married."

        "I've known everyone around here, for the most part, all of my life. I've dated a few girls in school but nothing too serious. And in college, I was too busy focusing on what I see for myself and what goals should take priority."

        "I think that's a pretty smart approach." 

        "It is. But it doesn't mean I'm not ready now to take the time to get to know the right someone." 

        The slight suggestive tone of his voice was enough to turn her eyes off Dana's hair and into his dark eyes. A dimpled smile touched his lips just before she looked away again. "Yeah, I kind of feel the same way lately. I'd like to think there's something inside both people that will draw them to each other. That's the way to know it’s worth it. Pretty romantic."

        "It can be a way, I'm sure. But I've never been such a dramatic person. Maybe that's the real reason why I'm single." He chuckled. 

        "At least you're being honest about it." Alyssa joked elbowing his ribs. "Romance is all the rage. Get with it." 

        "Nothing more romantic than sitting in front of a fifty-inch flat screen watching the Super Bowl with snacks at your whim."

        "Typical jock." Alyssa laughed pushing him lightly. "You're lucky your cute."

        "You think I'm cute. It's a good night tonight for sure!" he ran ahead jumping on Philips back exclaiming "She thinks I'm cute!" 

    Their laughter carried on into the night.