Nick's alarm clock woke him up on Monday morning and he knew it was time for school. He groaned, but got out of bed. After getting dressed and eating some cereal, Nick was on his was to school. It felt great outside. Nothing but dry heat. As he walked into the school, he remembered. Next week was Cassie's birthday. They'd always planned something special. It was tradition for the two of them to hang out somewhere on the night of her birthday. He had to talk to her about it. Soon, he saw her in the hall. "Cass!" he called.

"What's up?" she said as he walked up to her.

"We have to plan something for your birthday."

"Oh yeah. You always remember, don't you, Nick?"

"I do try." He grinned and put is arm around her.

"Nick!" He turned to see Melissa walking up to him. "Walk me to class, baby," she said.

"Listen, I'll call you tonight, okay?" he said to Cassie.

"Sounds good," Cassie replied.

"What a twit," Cassie mumbled referring to Melissa as they walked away.

Nick and Cassie's mutual friend, Morgan, came up to her. "Talking about Nick's girlfriend Melissa?" Morgan said knowingly.

"I don't know how he can stand her," Cassie said.

"He seems to be pretty hung up on her."

"I know. That's what I don't get. Why is Nick attracted to her?"

"Maybe cause she is one of the two most popular girls in school. You and Melissa are rivals. And Nick's best friends with you, so he goes for the other one. Personally, I think you and Nick would be couple of the year."

"Yeah. Okay, Morgan. You've been saying that for the past 5 years now."

"Hey! It can happen."

"Sure. You should be a spokes person for McDonald's."

"Hah hah. Very funny. But, Cassie, think about it. You know you are attracted to him."

"No I'm not."

"I bet you've thought about what it would be like to kiss him."

"Morgan, go torture someone else."

Morgan laughed. "Okay. I'm sorry. But, the reason I came to talk to you is so I could tell you about this party I'm having."

"When is it?" Cassie asked.

"This Friday night. Please some. Bring a date if you like. The more the merrier. I'll give you more 411 on it later. I gotta go to class." Morgan started to walk the other way.