Surprise! I wanted to make a sequel. It'll be short. Let me know what ya think.

Noticing Melinda: 10th Grade

Chapter One

Melinda and I have been going out for two months, or four months if you count the fake relationship that we were in prior to the real one. Or six months if you count my crush on her.

Today is the first day of sophomore year. Its a brand new year. No Mr. Neck. I couldn't get the jerk canned but he had to attend a seminar on sensitivity. Best of all, no more Andy Evans. He graduated and shortly after was arrested. His trial is next week.

I await my girlfriend's arrival by my locker. Derek and Alexander are arguing. Derek grew almost a foot over summer break. He is the tallest guy I know. He's also the best looking guy in our class according to recent gossip.

Alexander insists on being called "Xander" this year after spending the summer abroad. I'm not sure how those two things are related, but then again this is Alexander I'm talking about.

Alexander: I am telling you, mate, French chicks are the best kissers. Its the most romantic country in the world.

Derek: I'm telling you, I don't care about French girls. There are more important things. Like the fact that you didn't call me or write me while you were away.

Alexander: Don't be such a girl, bro. Hey, David. How was your summer romance?

Me: As if I'd tell you.

Alexander gives me a squeeze and rubs the top of my head. I know he thinks I should tell him about Melinda, but he knows I know he'll probably blab it all over school. The day Alexander keeps a secret is the day I poop bacon.

Luckily, I am saved by a goddess coming down the hall. Melinda is wearing frayed jeans and a pink shirt. My heart skips a beat. She has her face down to avoid looking at the faces staring at her.

Derek: She looks like a wounded puppy.

Me: She is.

Alexander: You're a true ladies man, Derek.

Derek: Bite me, Xander.

I approach Melinda and take her hand. She gives me a smile, but only for a second. I put my arm around her protectively. She peels away. She isn't comfortable with that yet. Baby steps. I must make a note.

Melinda: Not yet, David.

Me: Hand holding?

Melinda: Yes.

Me: Hugging?

Melinda: Not yet.

Me: Noted.

Derek: Hey, Mellie. You look cute today.

Melinda grins. She had warmed up to Derek over the summer.

Alexander: I missed all the excitement that went down with Evans. Did you at least punch him in the nuts?

Melinda:

Derek: You're an ass, man.

Alexander: Blow me, Derek.

Derek has turned a little pink. He quickly starts picking lint off his jacket. Alexander doesn't notice. My Melinda is watching Derek. I nudge her with my shoulder. She smiles at me.

Melinda: My mom insists I bring you with me to my next therapy session.

I get my notebooks out of my locker and look up in time to see Rachel Bruin with a new guy, a senior poet named Bryce. Melinda is leaning against the locker beside mine and biting her nails. I am aware of my heart beat.

Me: If she thinks it will help, I will be happy to come.

Melinda: Good. What's wrong with Derek?

I glance at Derek who keeps obsessing over Alexander not calling this summer. Melinda is right, something is off about him. He's usually more laid back.

Melinda and I ditch my friends and walk down the hallway together side by side. Occasionally, accidentally-on-purpose bumping other. I grin. She grins. I blush. She blushes.

Me: So how about I tutor you this year. No one on one, at your house with your mom in the next room and a chaperone.

Melinda: Chaperone?

Me: Yeah. I was thinking Alexander or Derek.

Melinda: I'd be okay with Derek.

Me: Good. I'll arrange it.

As much as I hate the idea of having a third wheel sround whenever I spend time with Mel, I have to grin and bear it for her sake. This isn't easy for her. I am happy to do whatever it takes to make her comfortable.

Author's Note: What do you think?