Beyond The Great Unknown, a Big Mouth/Final Fantasy crossover

Chapter 4

Devin's POV

On Monday morning, Devin got out of bed immediately when her alarm went off. Despite the busy day ahead and her nervousness she smiled. It felt so good starting a school day without Petra yelling in her ear. The weekend had been so quiet. So peaceful. 

Devin decided to skip the Peloton this morning and just jumped in the shower immediately. Devin always liked her shower as hot as possible without burning her skin. The hot water always helped her wake up, helped her think. She thought of everything she had to do today. Explain everything. Apologize. Heal wounds. Talk to Nick. Confess her feelings. To say she was nervous was an understatement. 

Finally she got out, dried off, and, wrapping herself in the towel, quickly brushed her teeth. When she finished she walked into her room and, dropping the towel, she first put on one of her new bras and new underwear, then put on the clothes she had picked for today from the new clothes she had bought over the weekend. Today she chose the simplest: a pair of light blue jeans, stylistically torn at one knee, and a simple, small red top. Then she put on her new shoes: black, with the brand logo on the sides in red. She had made sure the shoes weren't a sports brand. Then she put on the black studded leather belt she had bought to help hold up her jeans. She had chosen the belt deliberately: she wanted something at least a TINY bit edgy, and a studded belt felt just right. Plus she was a rock and metal fan. Lastly, she put on the most important thing, an item that had taken at least an hour to pick out from many different items, having to check several stores at the mall until she found the perfect one: a simple chain with a stainless steel elephant head pendant. Devin had wanted something to remember Coco by, to remember her lessons and major impact on her life. Devin had believed her when she promised to see her when she had time, but at least with the pendant she would be with her in a way, even when she wasn't physically around. 

Finally dressed and ready, Devin quickly grabbed the poems she had written over the weekend. As promised, she had written one for both the girls and Nick, and several to submit to the school poetry club. Devin smiled as she read over them one last time. Yes, these were definitely her best work yet. Stuffing them in her backpack, she headed downstairs to the kitchen. Tiffany was already sitting at the table with a bowl of cereal. She smiled as Devin walked in. 

"Wow sis, you look so pretty", she said as took in Devin's new clothes and her makeup and lipstick free face. 

Devin smiled back. "Awww, thank you sis. You look great yourself." Tiffany was 12, several years younger than Devin, but looked almost exactly like her, with similar facial features and the same hazel eyes and brown hair. The only difference was Tiffany kept her hair short, only down past her neck, and unlike Devin and their mother, didn't have freckles. Tiffany had served as the flower girl at Devin's "wedding" a few years ago. Devin almost laughed as she remembered her drinking too much soda and acting like she was drunk. Tiffany had matured so much since then. Now she herself was in middle school, and although she could still be hyper sometimes, was, like Devin herself, a serious student with consistently good grades. Like she had told Mona, Devin thought of Tiffany as her best friend in the world. 

"So, today is Lax Day at your school?", Tiffany asked as she carried her empty cereal bowl to the sink. 

Devin nodded. Tiffany made a face. "Boo!!! Why do YOU get a day of no work, but I have just a regular boring school day? I really wish I could go to YOUR old school. Why did it have to close?"

Devin shrugged. "Well, YOUR school seems really nice, from what I heard. Doesn't the library have a fireplace? Talk about a cozy place to read. I wish I could've gone to YOUR school." Devin opened the cabinets, trying to find something she could eat really fast, but all she saw was cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, spices and other condiments. She sighed. She'd just wait until lunch. The school always ordered plain pepperoni pizza. Since they knew nobody could ever agree on toppings, they always just went with the good old classic pepperoni. You could never go wrong there.

Just then their mom, Abigail, walked into the room. She was tall, slender and beautiful despite being in her early 50s, with the same hair and eyes like her daughters, and freckles like Devin. Today, as usual, she wore layers of makeup to cover them, and was already wearing her coach outfit, which perfectly fit her hourglass figure. Devin looked at her mother, feeling like she was truly seeing her for the first time. Devin had always thought she admired her, and even kept a picture of them together, taken at the photo store in the mall on Devin's 12th birthday a few years back. Devin had always thought her mother was so beautiful, so cool and perfect and flawless, and when she was younger always thought she wanted to be like her. Now she wasn't so sure. 

On Saturday, when Devin had asked her mother to take her shopping, promising to pay for most of her new clothes herself with her birthday money from her parents and aunt as well as allowance money she had been saving, her mother had at first protested, especially when Devin had told her she had decided she didn't want to wear makeup or lipstick anymore. Or her earrings, which her mother had bought for her the day that picture was taken. Devin had had to argue and beg for almost an hour until she had finally caved. Devin had thought that was the end of it, but her mother had turned up her nose at almost everything Devin had decided to buy, or tried to talk her out of buying them with her usual lines like "what if they don't fit? What if they shrink in the wash? You should just buy another dress, you always look so beautiful." Devin kept reminding her she could pay for most of the things herself, but her mother had still kept protesting her choices, only stopping once Devin had already paid for them. Her mother had been silent the whole way home, but Devin had felt like she was silently shaking her head at her. 'Why can't she just accept that I'm changing? I'm NOT a little girl anymore. I'm 15. I'll be 16 in six months.'

Abigail opened the fridge and pulled out her bottle of kombucha and took a long drink as she checked the time on her watch. "I have a practice game in an hour. I'll drive you to school on the way, Tiffany. Devin, do you want me to take you too? I'm going to the car wash after, then I gotta...."

Devin shook her head. " No, actually, I'm heading to school right now. Me and some.... friends decided to go early. It's not that far, I can walk. We don't have schoolwork today. I'll probably take the bus home though."

Abigail nodded. "Fine. Your father is supposed to be getting home late this afternoon. We're supposed to go have dinner with some friends. I'll pick you girls up something from that place you like." She took another sip and put the bottle back. Her phone rang and she picked it up. "Hello? Oh Linda, hey. Yeah, yeah. No, I gotta coach the practice game today, big game coming up. Huh? No I don't think...... wait, she did WHAT??!" She walked off, heading to the living room for privacy but still talking loud enough for them to hear. "No way!!! See, I always told you she'd get herself in trouble. Everybody could tell she was a total tramp!!!" 

Devin shook her head and turned to Tiffany, who was doing some last-minute organizing of her backpack, pretending she couldn't hear. Devin threw her arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I gotta go. I'll see you later sis. Love you so much. Have a nice day."

Tiffany hugged her back. "Love you too. You're the best big sister in the world."

Devin smiled. "That's cause I have the best LITTLE sister in the world. See you later." Devin adjusted her backpack and walked to the front of the house and out the door. She pulled out her phone and checked the time. Still over two hours until school started. She had plenty of time to walk there. If she was lucky the other girls would already be there. 

As she walked Devin thought about the girls, and all the wrongs she had committed against them. With each step she felt the remorse, and her desire to right those wrongs grow stronger. She hoped with all her heart and soul they would listen and forgive her, but she also knew she couldn't DEMAND their forgiveness. Especially Gina.....

Suddenly Devin sensed somebody-or-SOMETHING-behind her. She turned and saw Mona beaming at her. "Good morning, darling. I figured I'd walk you to school. Missy is already on her way. I told her to go on ahead."

Devin nodded and kept walking. She had only gone a few paces before a thought occurred to her. A thought that made her both sad and scared. "Mona, if....... if Missy doesn't forgive me, if she doesn't want to be my friend, does that mean you'll have to...... I mean, will you still be able to....." She couldn't finish the question. Over the weekend Mona had popped in when she had time. Unlike her mother, Mona had been supportive of Devin's choice of new clothes, and had praised her new poems. They had talked for a couple hours both nights before bed. Devin had grown increasingly attached to Mona. Devin couldn't bare the thought of her having to leave. She already had so much sadness in her heart at the thought of the girls refusing her apology. 

Mona nodded, understanding her unfinished question. "Will I still be able to be your Monstress? Of course, darling. I told you....." She stepped in front of Devin and put her hands on her shoulders. "I absolutely WILL be your Monstress no matter what. A couple years ago the thought of being your Monstress would never have crossed my mind. Remember, at that time I hated you because of the Missy hair thing. But remember, I decided to become your Monstress by my own choice, without being assigned. Because I felt sorry for you. Because I fell in love with you. Just as much as I fell in love with Missy. And because I love you both so much, I KNOW she will forgive you. I know how her heart works. Missy WILL forgive you darling. I don't know about the others, but Missy's heart has no room for hate. That's how she turned Rochelle from a Hateworm back to a Lovebug, just like YOU did to Emmy. You both have so much love in your hearts."

Devin smiled and hugged Mona. "I really hope so. I love you too, Mona. Even though I've only known you a few days. You make me happy."

Mona hugged her back. "That's the point. I told you, I NEED you to be happy. Even if corporate DOES get on my ass for this I'll STILL be your Monstress." She smiled. "Now come on darling, let's get to school. I hear there's pizza today."

They started walking again, and after a little over a mile were finally at the school. Sure enough, there they stood: Jessi, Gina, Ali, Missy, and Lola. Devin saw their surprised expressions as they took in her new appearance. 

Jessi smiled as she looked Devin up and down. "Wow, Devin you look........ different.", she said finally. 

Devin smiled. "That's a GOOD thing, right?"

Missy smiled. "I think you look beautiful. Definitely better without makeup. My mom says natural beauty is important. She's never worn makeup in her life."

Devin smiled back. "And she's right. I threw all my makeup and lipstick away. From this day forward THIS is my face, freckles and all." She turned and looked at the school. Sure enough several cars were already parked there. Obviously teachers setting up for the day. She hoped they would let them in. She turned to the others with a sigh. "Well, let's go in I guess. We can go to the student lounge. We still have a couple hours until everybody else gets here."

She led the way, the others following her. She tried the front door and it opened. The homeroom teacher, Miss Dunn, nodded at them as they passed, but didn't say anything about their being there early. In fact, as they passed by the empty classrooms, they saw other students had arrived early. Two boys were plugging in a video game system to the TV set up in one classroom. 

They walked until they reached the student lounge, which fortunately was still unoccupied. Devin sat down on the leather couch in front of the coffee table. Lola, predictably, sat down next to her. The other girls took seats in the chairs in front of the long table students used for lunch or snacks. They all looked at Devin, waiting for her to speak. Devin felt her heart race with nervousness. She took several deep breaths to brace herself. Finally she began. 

"Ok, you're probably all wondering why I called you here so early. You see, I......"

"Oh my god, you have cancer??!!!", Lola broke in. "Oh god, when did you find out?!! How bad is it? Look, whatever you need, me and the girls can pitch in to help...."

Devin sighed. "No, Lola, I don't have cancer. It's nothing like that. " Devin sighed again. "Look, this past week I've been doing some serious searching. Looking deep inside myself, trying to figure out who I am. Who I want to be. Y'all were there Friday night. You heard me. But over the weekend I've thought more, and I think I'm finally realizing that whoever I am, it's not who I thought I was. Who I was acting like all those years. I met somebody who....... who really helped me. But I realized I also need to help MYSELF. And to do that, the first step forward is to come clean. To tell y'all everything. So that's what I'm going to do."

She saw the others still looking at her, waiting for her to continue. The room was silent except for their breathing and the slow ticking of the clock on the wall. In the distance she heard the TV as the kids started playing their game. 

Devin took another deep breath, willing her nervous heart to slow down. After a moment she started again. 

"Ok, so, here it goes........."

Two and a half hours later........

"So there it is. That's my entire story. The truth about me and Devon, my home life and health issues, my depression, and...... well pretty much everything, and why I've been such...... such a MONSTER. I know it doesn't excuse anything I have said or done to pretty much every single one of you, but I REALLY, really hope y'all can forgive me, or at least understand, because I am so, SO sorry, from the bottom of my heart. If I could go back, undo everything I did, unsay everything I said, I WOULD, without hesitation. I understand if you can't forgive me. I'll never truly be able to forgive MYSELF. I won't beg your forgiveness. I probably don't even DESERVE it. Just please, PLEASE at least believe me. I am more sorry than you can possibly imagine." Devin sighed and hung her head, looking at the floor, waiting for someone to speak. 

Devin had spent the last two and a half hours basically retelling everything she had told Mona and Emmy, barely omitting a single word. Devon and their "relationship", the marriage, divorce, re-marriage, Devon leaving, graduation, homecoming, Nick, Emmy and Coco, as well as her eating disorder and struggles gaining and keeping weight, her depression, her home life and relationship with her parents and sister. EVERYTHING. The girls had sat and listened the entire time, only occasionally interrupting to ask a question, but not often. Even Lola had been mostly silent. Ali had been nice enough to get her a cup of water, and kept refilling it regularly. Devin had thanked her every time. Devin had noticed she smiled at each "thank you" before silently sitting back down and waiting for her to continue. By now, a few more students had arrived early, but luckily they had chosen to hang out in the classrooms, so there had been no interruptions except when one of the girls had asked a question. But now it was almost time for school to start, and the buses would be arriving soon. But at least she was finally done. 

Finally, Devin heard Jessi sigh, and she looked up. 

"Well, you've had problems, Devin. We ALL have. As you probably know, I have depression too. And well, I'VE done things too. Things I wish I could UNDO. Running away. Stealing my dad's edibles. Shoplifting. The statue. All those times I yelled at my parents. So many things. You're not ALONE, Devin."

Gina nodded. "Yes. I mean, I really should have handled it better that night. When you said that to me. I was angry, but violence never solves anything. I was in the wrong too. Plus, I just realized I'm kind of a hypocrite. I got angry at Nick for telling everybody about our makeout so he'd be popular, but when the boys made those lists and put my name on them, I basically rode that popularity, got high off it, and used it to hook up with Charles." Gina sighed and shook her head. 

"Yeah, me too", Ali said. "And I also shouldn't have gone after Missy when she posted that story. I could have handled it a better way instead of using violence, just like Gina said. I guess I was just angry cause that story reminded me of what happened at my OLD school. Gina is right, violence doesn't solve anything. And full disclosure, I sometimes get depressed too."

Missy nodded. "And I'm sorry for the things I said to YOU that day of the field trip too. It's kind of haunted me for the past year or so. I also lashed out at my parents only a week or so before that. And of course you know about that rumor I started about Ali and Jessi. I was kind of a bad B with a big itch that year." 

Lola laughed. "And honey you know I'VE done loads of things, things that would make the devil himself cringe!! If Jerry Springer was still alive he'd have a field day with me and MY mom!!!"

Jessi nodded. "The point is, we ALL have struggles, Devin. And sometimes those struggles lead us to some dark places. But you never have to walk those places alone, Devin. We're here for you."

Devin sighed. "But that's just the thing. I should have always been there for YOU. There were so many times when y'all could have used my help. Sure, I helped when you did the Sl....... when you protested the dress code." Devin had almost said Slut Walk, the name they had given the protest, for lack of a better name. SLUT. The word that had started the trouble at the sleepover. A word Devin had always thrown around without a care in the world. She had grown up hearing her mother use the word in almost every other sentence while talking to friends, usually to refer to ANOTHER woman who wasn't present. Devin realized again how deeply her mother had influenced her. Instead of making her own choices, being her own person, setting a better example, Devin had imitated her mother like a parrot. 'I will NEVER use that word again for as long as I live', she vowed. 

She went on. "But other times I simply stood around. Like when y'all quit the school play. Instead of doing the right thing and joining you, I stayed. I got caught up in the fame like a fucking IDIOT. Sure, the play got cancelled, but I still should have joined you and quit in solidarity. Like a REAL friend." Devin felt the tears start to run down her face. "Or just been there in general. Like I knew you were having trouble, Jessi. Any time I could have simply lent an ear, a shoulder to cry on. Same with you, Lola. I was neither deaf nor blind. Any time at all I could have stepped in and offered my support to any one of you, like you do for each other. But instead I did NOTHING." Devin looked at the floor again, unable to face them as more tears broke loose.

She heard somebody stand up, but didn't look up until she felt the arms wrap around her. She looked up and saw Jessi's smiling face. "Well, you're here NOW. And so are we. We forgive you, Devin. That's what friendship is about." 

Devin sniffed and smiled as she stood up and hugged her back. To her surprise, the other girls got up one by one and hugged her too. First Missy. Then Ali. Then Lola. Then Gina, who Devin hugged back extra tightly. 

After the hugging session, Devin sniffed again and wiped her face, and smiled again as she sat back down. "Thanks. All of you. Again, I am sorry, from the bottom of my heart. If ever there is anything I can do for any one of you, anything AT ALL, please let me know. For now though, I want to read a poem I wrote. I've also written several others, and I'm going to submit them to the poetry club today. Just a sec." She opened her backpack and rifled through the sheets of paper until she found the one she was looking for. Setting the backpack next to her, she took a long sip from the cup of water Ali had recently refilled and cleared her throat. After a deep breath to brace herself, she read:

"Thicker than blood, stronger than steel,

older than all the stars in the night sky,

the bond between friends is the most precious thing of all. 

Every hug given, every secret shared, every laugh or tear we shed as one,

is more precious than all the gold on earth.

No rain, no storm, no howling wind or flood,

can destroy or break a bond so strong.

If they burn our ships we will swim the raging seas as one. 

No night too dark, no nightmare too bleak, no cut too deep. 

The power of friendship brightens all rooms, heals all wounds. 

A shadow at your back. A knock at the door. 

A letter in the mail. A flower on the grave. 

A friend is forever and everywhere. 

When we are laid to rest, and our bones turn to dust,

the echoes of friendship will ring through the cosmos till the end of time."

Devin looked up at the girls, waiting for their reaction. They stared at her in wonder. Or perhaps shock or awe. Or all three. Finally Gina smiled. "Devin....... that was amazing", she said. 

Missy nodded. "That WAS amazing. And I thought my erotic space fantasies were awesome. You're right, you definitely need to submit that, and your others YESTERDAY."

Devin smiled. She felt her heart warm and some of her anxiety and sadness lift at their words. "Thank you. All of you. For forgiving me. For your kind words. It...... It makes me happy."

Jessi smiled. "That's good. I'm glad you're finally happy, Devin. And if you ever need someone to talk to, we're here for you." The others nodded in agreement. "Also, I know a really great therapist. She's really cool. I haven't seen her in a while, actually. I really should, I miss talking to her. I'll give you her number sometime."

Devin smiled. "Thanks Jessi. I'd like that." 

The outside hall suddenly filled with the sound of talking, laughter, and the sounds of many shoes on the floor. The buses had finally arrived. Devin stood up with a sigh and grabbed her backpack. "Well, what are y'all planning to do today?"

Jessi shrugged. "I dunno. I'm gonna go and find Camden first. I'll see y'all at lunch I guess." She hugged Devin again and walked off. Ali followed her, Lola following behind. Devin turned to Missy. Mona appeared behind her and smiled at Devin. 

"Good job, darling. I knew it would go well. I'm SO glad you're both friends now."

Missy smiled. "I was totally surprised at first. But I think this will be fun. We should both hang out sometime, since we both have the same Monstress. Mona is a blast!!"

Devin smiled. "She really is. She and Coco both really opened my eyes." She beamed at Mona. "I owe them everything." She caressed the elephant pendant around her neck." And sure, I'd love to hang out sometime."

Missy thought for a second, then smiled. "How about TODAY? I'm going to the Robotics Club in a bit. Since we don't have classes today we're going to work all day on this new robot. We could really use an extra set of hands. We're going to enter it in a robot battle contest. The owner of the winner robot gets a heap of money, enough for everybody to split!!!" 

Devin thought, then smiled. "Ok, that sounds pretty cool. But first I gotta talk to Nick, then submit my poems. I'll find you in a bit."

Missy smiled. "Great. I'll see you soon. " She walked off, and Devin turned to Mona. The beautiful Monstress smiled again at her. "Excellent, darling. Excellent. I am so proud of you. Now, we just gotta find Nick, and then....."

Devin saw Gina still sitting at the table, organizing her books to put in her locker. Devin turned to Mona. "I'm going to talk to Gina real quick first. Then we'll find Nick. It will just take a sec."

Mona nodded. "Of course, darling. Take your time."

Devin walked over and sat down next to her. "Gina, look. There's something else I need to apologize for. I recently found out that the night of the sleepover, when that...... happened, well, I heard that after you and Jessi had that fight, that your.......that your Hormone Monstress left. Because she had to choose. And she chose Jessi." Devin sighed. "Gina, I am so, so so so so SORRY. It was all MY FAULT. If I had simply kept my big mouth shut after Jessi told me about you and Nick, and not told Lola, then none of that would have happened, and....."

Gina sighed. "Devin, look. It's ok. The truth is it was ALL of our fault, in a way. Me and Nick both for rushing into it. Nick for telling his friends. Jessi for telling you and Lola. Me for attacking you. Me and Jessi for arguing, thinking we were both better than the other. The truth is I was also kind of a bitch myself that year. I was just so frustrated cause I felt boys only liked me for my body. Devon. Nick. Just like how you felt uncomfortable with......well, with YOUR body, I felt kind of uncomfortable about MINE. And I feel like even Connie herself only cared about how the boys looked at me. And from what I heard Nick was himself at the time with a really immature Hormone Monster who kept pushing him to do crazy stuff. The truth is me and Nick were probably doomed from the start. As for Connie, well, like I said, she only cared about the attention I was getting, and not my actual feelings. So NO, I don't blame you Devin. For none of it. Not anymore." She put her hand on Devin's and smiled for emphasis.

Devin felt the relief rush through her. She felt the crushing weight of her guilt lift from her heart. She smiled back. "I'm so glad to hear you say that. When I found out about Connie, that was the worst I ever felt about anything in my entire life. When I heard about it, I was sure you must HATE me. You're such a good person, Gina. And I'm so sorry for what I did. What I said to you. I will never know how the things I said, the things people said about you BECAUSE of me, made you feel, because I could NEVER know, never BEGIN to understand. And honestly, your forgiveness is more than I deserve." 

Gina leaned forward and hugged her tightly. "Shhh, not another word. It's OVER, Devin. I forgive you. Totally and completely. You need to forgive YOURSELF now." She laughed as Devin hugged her back with all her might. "Ow, Devin, too tight. Loosen up a bit." They pulled apart and she laughed again. "Wow, you're surprisingly strong." 

Devin laughed. "Sorry. And thanks again. For forgiving me. And for liking my poem."

Gina smiled. "It was really good. You're an AMAZING poet, Devin. And a good person. And don't worry about Connie. I got a new Monstress. As it happens, she's Connie's twin sister. Bonnie. She's really cool. I actually like her better to be honest. Connie was always kind of bossy and pushy, and could be so impatient. Bonnie is so much more patient and understanding of my feelings, and just all-around nicer. How about YOURS?" 

Devin smiled. "Mona is great. I mean, I miss my old Monstress, but Mona is really awesome. She's really sweet and supportive. SHE really likes my poems too."

Gina smiled. "Awesome. Bonnie suggested I try joining a wrestling team. Not that stupid baby crap they did in middle school but REAL wrestling. I've always been a fan of pro wrestling. I'm really thinking of looking for a women's wrestling program if I can find one in town that takes teenagers, and maybe training with some older girls. I mean I know some basic stuff, but I'm sure the older girls can help me get better, and maybe eventually enter a qualifying match against a pro. Then hopefully after senior year I can juggle college and some easy minor league matches, work my way up. I mean, I don't want to try major league until AFTER college, cause I want to stay as close to my family for as long as possible."

Devin smiled. " That sounds awesome. I can actually picture you as a wrestler. Although I thought you were into soccer and basketball."

Gina laughed. "Yeah, and I still am. But there's just too many female soccer and basketball players already. But not many women have made their names in wrestling. And because the school teaches that fake, sissy wrestling, many people are confused what wrestling really IS, especially since so many haters say pro-wrestling is FAKE. I told Charles so many times he should watch REAL wrestling, but he wouldn't listen, and let Coach Steve warp his brain with that crap he taught."

Devin smiled. "Speaking of Charles, are you two still together?"

Gina shook her head. "No. We called it quits long ago. Actually around the time we graduated middle school. He said he quote "wanted to explore other opportunities, you're only in high school once."" She laughed. "Actually I think that was the most he ever said to me. In a way I was glad though. I was actually getting bored. We seldom hung out after school, and whenever I wanted to go to the movies or to a friend's party he'd usually flake, make some weird excuse. Also, I think maybe...... maybe he might be GAY. I mean, I caught him staring at other guys wherever we were, and more than once he got a little too excited seeing guys kiss, either in person or in movies. And whenever we made out he just didn't seem that into it. Like he wouldn't even look into my eyes, he'd always look away. I dunno, but he was always just so distant. But I mean ultimately it doesn't matter. It was never serious. We never DID anything serious. Like I said earlier, we just sort of hooked up because of the list thing. I guess....... it was just like you and Devon, just for show."

Devin laughed. "Yeah. That's middle school. One big masquerade. High school is the time to get serious. You'll find somebody, Gina. I KNOW you will." She smiled and hugged her again. Gina hugged her back and smiled. 

"Thanks. So, you going after Nick now, I guess?"

Devin nodded and sighed. "Yeah. To tell you the truth I'm just as nervous about THIS as I was when I came in here to talk to y'all. Maybe even MORE."

Gina smiled. "Don't be nervous. Just be YOURSELF. He won't be able to resist. Especially if the poem you wrote for him is as awesome as the one you just read US. I'm assuming you wrote one for him, right?"

Devin smiled as she opened her backpack again and pulled it out. "Right here. I'm going to go find him right now."

Gina smiled. "Awesome. I'll come with you. Don't worry, I'll stay in the shadows, I won't say anything. I just HAVE to see how this goes."

The girls got up and headed out into the bustling hall, scanning the sea of students for Nick. The hall was filled the cacophony of voices, shoes on the polished floor, lockers opening and slamming, and music and video games from the classrooms. Trying to spot Nick through the field of teenagers was like finding a needle in a haystack. Devin tried shouting, but the roar of voices drowned hers out. 

Finally, she saw him. As usual Andrew was at his side. They appeared to be deep in conversation, and Nick didn't seem to notice her walking towards him. She called out again, louder, and he finally looked at her. She noticed he suddenly appeared nervous, the laughter fading from his face. He said something quickly to Andrew, who walked away as Devin approached. Devin sensed Mona at her side. She put her slender, furry hands on Devin's shoulders gently. "You got this, darling. Go get him. Good luck", she whispered. 

Devin turned and nodded. Mona smiled encouragingly. Devin saw Gina hanging further back, watching her. They caught each other's eyes, and Gina smiled encouragingly as she waved Devin forward. Devin smiled back and turned to Nick, who appeared rooted to the spot. He looked as nervous as she felt. She felt her heartbeat quicken. Her mouth suddenly felt dry. She looked at the poem in her hand. She sighed. 'Well, here goes nothing......' she thought as she walked towards him. 

Nick's POV

Nick looked from Devin as she approached to Maury at his side. "Maury, she's coming over here. What do I do?"

"Only thing you CAN do: TALK to her!! The lost art of conversation. Just don't tell her how you feel. YET. You don't even know how SHE feels yet."

Nick looked from Maury back to Devin. He took in her new appearance. Nick had thought she looked beautiful Friday night when she took off her makeup, but he was floored by how absolutely drop-dead GORGEOUS she looked now. No makeup. No lipstick. No earrings. The new clothes. The pendant. Even her ENERGY felt different. He could sense it from here. Just like Friday night, he felt his heart hammering with nervousness. He looked from her back to Maury. 

"Maury I HAVE to tell her. I just have to come out with it. It will haunt me forever if I don't. I've hardly been able to sleep since I realized how I feel. I can't wait to think of some crazy gesture of love. I just have to TELL her I love her."

Maury gasped. "Are you INSANE??!!! Remember I told you what happened when Andrew told Missy he loved her?!! She threw up in the photo booth and ran off. And don't forget what happened when YOU told Jessi!! No no, we have to think of a plan. Just let me think......"

But it was too late. Nick had already made up his mind, and Devin was already a stone's throw away. Too late to turn back. Despite the ice-cold dread squeezing his heart, he swallowed his nervousness and walked to meet her until they were in front of each other. He swallowed again and smiled as bravely as he could.

"Um, hey Devin. How are you? You, uh, you look good. Great. You look GREAT."

She smiled back. "Thanks. I'm good. Great, actually. I'm GREAT. I, um, see, there's something I have to tell you, but......"

Nick nodded. "There's something I have to tell you too", he said. He wished he didn't have to say it HERE in the hall, in front of the school doors, in a hall full of people. There were still plenty of students in the hall, hanging out by their lockers, some looking directly at him and Devin, but most had retreated to the student lounge, cafeteria, or one of the classrooms. The hall was still noisy, but at least they could hear each other. But mostly Nick only heard the nervous thudding of his heart. "You see, Devin, the thing is, well...... You see, I just have to tell you that....... that the other night at school, when we talked, I realized that....... That I........" Nick tried to get his mouth to put into words the feelings that had plagued him all weekend, to tell her how she had haunted his every waking moment since they had hugged Friday night, but it was like his brain suddenly couldn't process the words his heart longed to say. 

Devin sighed. "Nick, I have something you need to hear. Just listen to this." She held up the paper in her hand and held it in front of her face with both hands as she read:

"I locked my heart away as part of the daily masquerade,

where it grew hard and cold from underuse. 

With a forced smile on a painted face I grew numb to the world. 

Fake kisses from a false prince, admiring gazes from sycophants,

were soon the only world world I knew. 

But my frozen heart still burned for something,

but for what I did not yet know. Or just not care.

Then I saw YOU, with eyes still blind to reality. 

I looked at you, you looked at me, our lips met in secrecy and shame.

But I never could have known the pain this rendezvous would bring. 

With lies and smiles, my kingdom was stolen from me. 

Cast out, exiled, shunned by the subjects who worshipped me. 

My cold heart thawed, but felt only pain. 

For I saw how cold I myself had been. 

One night I removed my mask, and my heart was warm again. 

For the first time in years, I smiled a true smile again. 

I saw the beauty I had been hiding away, felt the joy I'd locked away. 

But more than that I saw the error of my ways. 

My cold heart had led me astray, made me bitter and cruel. 

I vowed to right my wrongs, heal wounds, and fix the hearts I broke.

And yet I also saw, so clearly now, the truth I was too blind to see. 

I had to lose my kingdom to realize my prince was always there, in front of me. 

The knife in my back had also thawed my heart,

and made me realize it only beats for you. 

My fall had been my saving grace, and I want to live this second chance with you, and only you."

Devin looked up from the poem to Nick to see his reaction. Nick, however, just stared. His mind buzzed. He was completely confused. Was Devin saying what he thought-HOPED-she was saying? 

As if reading his mind she nodded. "Nick, what I'm trying to say is......well, I think it's the same thing YOU were trying to say a minute ago. I just wrote this poem cause I thought it'd be easier. So I'd be less nervous. But what I'm saying is......" She sighed. "Let's just say it together, ok? On three."

Nick nodded, so did she. Nick counted in his head, and he could tell she was. 'One, two, three', he counted. On three, he practically shouted the words he had been dying to say all weekend. She shouted in perfect unison, their voices mixing melodiously. 

"I love you, Devin!!!!"

"I love you, Nick!!!!"

Nick gasped. He had been hoping against all hope that she would say it, but never DREAMED she would really say it. The furious beating of his heart changed from one of nervousness to relief and joy. "You.......you DO?"

She nodded and smiled that beautiful smile. "Yes, I really, REALLY do. I think I ALWAYS have, Nick. Ever since the day I met you."

Nick smiled. To say he was happy was an understatement. "I never knew. But maybe...... maybe I always loved YOU too, but didn't realize until Friday night. But when I think about it.....I think it's ALWAYS been you."

Devin smiled and closed the gap. Unable to resist a second longer, Nick leaned forward as she did the same, and their lips met. Nick felt every nerve, every cell and atom in his body ignite in a wildfire of pleasure that engulfed his entire body, his very soul. He felt his entire body tingle, like that pens and needles tingling when your arm or foot falls asleep, but in a pleasant way. He closed his eyes. If it weren't for the feeling of her lips against his, he'd have thought he was drifting through another plane of existence, a dimension of sheer bliss, his body weightless, his soul and mind as free as all the stars in the galaxy. 

After at least a minute, but what felt like eternity or at least hours they pulled apart. Nick opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Devin, still smiling, blushing slightly, her freckles standing out even more. Then he saw all the remaining students in the hall staring directly at them, some laughing, some clapping and cheering. Among them he saw Andrew, who smiled and gave him a thumbs up. Jay, pumping his arms and cheering like a patron at a ball game. Gina, who Nick noticed was cheering Devin's name. 'Are they friends now?', he thought. 

Devin, however, barely seemed to notice. Her smile grew bigger. "Soooooo.........what do you want to do today? I promised Missy I'd visit the Robotics Club, check out this cool fighting robot they're building."

Nick smiled. "That sounds cool. Wherever you want to go, wherever you ARE, that's where I want to be." 

Still smiling, Devin pulled her backpack off her shoulders and opened it, pulling out the rest of her poems. "I just gotta bring these to the teacher in charge of the poetry club, then we'll hit the Robotics Club together. I'll be back in just a few minutes."

Nick nodded and smiled. "Don't be too long. I miss you already." 

Devin smiled and walked off quickly, papers in hand. Nick couldn't help staring at her as she walked away. She definitely looked as amazing from behind as she did from the front. 

Nick turned to Maury. "See? Everything worked out great. I told her how I feel, and she felt the same all along!!"

Maury groaned. "Ugh. And as usual the woman did most of the work. Jesus, now I sound like Connie. Boy, I need a vacation. I'm going to the parking lot for a smoke." He vanished, and Nick heard footsteps behind him. He turned and saw Andrew and Jay. 

"Bro, you and DEVIN?!!", Jay cried. "Dude, you're like, high school ROTALTY now!!! I mean, you two ARE official this time, right?"

Nick nodded. "Yes. I mean, before we were just hooking up, but now, yeah, it's real. I love her. I actually, really LOVE her And she feels the same."

Andrew smiled. "Well, I'm happy for you man. And impressed. Only a few days with Maury and you already reeled one in. Way faster than me and Missy. That's gotta be a record time. How ARE you and Maury, by the way?"

"We're pretty good, actually. You were right, Maury IS a big softie. I just had to work a bit to FIND his soft side. But me and him are totally cool now. But I'm pretty sure he's gonna want more from me now that I'm officially WITH Devin." As he said that, Nick actually felt nervous. What if Maury DID actually try and push HIM to push DEVIN for more? Maury had promised to let Nick go at his own pace, but that was when Nick had had little to no hope of being with Devin. But now that they were officially a couple, what if Maury couldn't resist, and tried to force Nick to force more from Devin? Nick couldn't bear another incident like last time. The thought of hurting her again, and losing her for good this time, filled him with dread and despair. 

Andrew replied, derailing his train of thought. "Well, just don't let him get to you. Maury is great, but a bit too horny for his own good. And this is coming from ME. You just have to remind him that HE'S the genie, and YOU'RE Aladdin."

Nick smiled. Andrew's words made him feel a bit better. "Thanks Andrew. I'll do that. What are you guys doing today? When Devin gets back we're going to the Robotics Club room. Devin wants to help Missy and the others with this robot they're putting together."

Andrew laughed. "I think I'll go too. Missy said she's going to help put things right so they'll let me back in." 

"Ooooh, a SEX robot?", Jay asked. "Can it get pregnant, like the one from Rick and Morty? Or like my pillow?"

Andrew groaned. "Jesus, Jay!! What is it, like 11 in the morning!!! What are YOU going to do today, Jay?"

Jay sighed. "Well actually, I'm waiting for Matthew. I... um, I need to talk to him about something."

"Well, good luck with that, man", Andrew said. "I'm gonna go find Missy and the others. I guess I'll see you in a bit, Nick?" Nick nodded and Andrew walked off. A second later Devin returned, smiling. "I showed my poems to Mr Cormack, the head of the poetry club. He said they'll look over them, but said he's thinking of picking one for the school paper. He invited me to come to the next meeting tomorrow."

Nick smiled. "That's awesome. I really liked the one you read to me. It was awesome."

She smiled. "Thanks. That one really took me a while. Finding the right words and prose. So, are you ready to go to the Robotics Club, or....."

Just then the screens in the hall all clicked on and played a stereotypical news-show theme. Nick and Devin both gasped, as did the other students in the hall as Matthew appeared on the screen, seated behind a long wooden desk. He was smiling so broadly it hurt Nick's face. 

"Hello, Bridgeton High!! Man, it feels SO good to be back. That's right y'all, this is my first-ever broadcast here, and probably the first ever PERIOD at this school. I may not be in middle school anymore, but announcements will ALWAYS and FOREVER be my passion. So, let's start the day with the latest news." Matthew grabbed the papers in front of him. "Head lice season is open, people. Be safe. Don't sit too close to anybody scratching their heads, don't borrow anybody's hats or sweatshirts, and ALWAYS thoroughly wash your hair. Next, caffeine or nutrition? The school is talking about replacing all the drinks in the vending machine with bottled water, energy drinks, and teas. What do you think? Voting starts next week." He switched papers and smiled. "Also, love is in the air. This just in: Nick and Devin spotted kissing in the hallway. Let's hear it for our new celebrity couple!!!" 

The hall erupted with laughter, cheers and applause. Nick was sure his face was red enough to rival a firetruck, and his teeth were gritted hard enough to dent metal. "God damn it, I'm going to MURDER him!!!", he growled. He turned to Devin. To his surprise she was smiling. She seemed amused rather than irritated. 

"What's the big deal? It's just Matthew being Matthew. Go ahead, let them talk", she gestured to the others in the hall. "I don't care. The Devin that craved attention is gone. Now, I only care about my friends", she smiled in the direction of Jessi, Gina and the others, who were passing through the hall, then turned to Nick with a smile that drove his annoyance away "and the boy I love." She reached out her hand, and Nick grabbed it eagerly. No longer caring about the other students, the two 15 year olds shared another passionate kiss, then walked off hand-in-hand in the direction of the Robotics Club as Matthew continued his announcements. 

Missy's POV 

As soon as Missy arrived in the Robotics Club room she wasted no time in calling the room to order. Everybody was already there except Caleb, who had promised to be over as soon as he finished helping Matthew with the announcements, and Andrew, who she hoped would show up soon. She was throwing herself on this grenade for HIM. 

"Ok everybody listen up, I have something important to tell y'all." She took a deep breath and continued. "I invited Andrew back to this club." She waited until the booing subsided and continued. "No no, just listen. I have something to admit." She looked at Nate, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. She returned the smile. She knew he would have her back. " That night the robot broke. It wasn't Andrew who wrecked the damn thing. It was ME." She ignored the shocked gasps of everybody except Nate. "Yes. ME. Yeah, I know, I spent most of the night pushing y'all to work endlessly, yelling at everybody, only for ME to end up humping it into oblivion. Andrew only took the blame because he's a good friend." She felt somebody behind her and turned to the entrance of the room. There stood Andrew, who was smiling gratefully at her. Next to him stood Nick and Devin. 

"She's right", Nate said, walking over and shaking hands with Andrew. "Andrew is one hell of a dude. Kind. Loyal. Chock-full of wit and wise beyond his years. Plus he's a fellow bird-watcher, and plays one hell of a game of Spaceships and Martians."

Andrew laughed. "Well, actually, I'm not REALLY a bird-watcher. You see, that day I....."

Rachel broke in. "Yeah well, maybe he didn't wreck our robot, but what about that scene he caused at our last game, just cause he was jealous of YOU and Miss Humps-A-Lot? I was looking forward to that game all week and he totally ruined it for everybody!!" 

Andrew sighed. "Look, I admit it, I've done wrong, ok? In fact the robot thing probably WAS my fault in a way."

Missy gasped. "Andrew, how can you possibly SAY that? You weren't even in the room when...."

"Exactly, NONE of you were there when it happened, because of ME!!! If I hadn't lured y'all out of the room to party in MY room, we would have been there and been able to prevent Missy from giving into her........urges. And believe ME, I definitely know a thing or two about THAT. In fact just about everybody in this room has probably heard about the gross things I, Andrew Glouberman, have done, either here or in middle school. But let me ask you all, who among us HASN'T done something they regret, or at least look back on with embarrassment? We're only human, after all."

Nick nodded. "Yes, Andrew is right. Yes he's a pervert, but he's also my oldest and best friend. He's done MANY things. Jerked off on my sister's bathing suit. Stole my camp best friend. Tried to steal my Apple Brooch. Accused ME of stealing his Hormone Monster. And let's not forget the Mr Keating thing. But no matter how bad or how gross, he's also one of the greatest friends you can possibly ask for. No matter how many times we fight, we ALWAYS make up. He's my oldest, greatest pal, and I can't picture life without him."

Devin smiled. "Nick is right. I mean yeah, I myself have often been grossed out by some of the things I've heard, but if Missy says Andrew is cool, then I believe her. Besides, if Missy can forgive ME for MY past actions, then Andrew definitely deserves forgiveness too. I'm here because I'm still trying to find out who I really AM, who I want to be. I may not know that yet, but what I do know is ANYONE can change."

Andrew looked on the verge of tears from all these kind words. He smiled. "Thank you, everyone." He turned to the others. "I promise I will work hard, harder than ever before. If that's what it takes to earn your forgiveness. I just want to feel like I actually BELONG somewhere. I know that's why YOU'RE all here. Am I not wrong?"

Nate nodded. "Most people I meet think I'm a jock. They always ask me to play basketball, or suggest I join a football team. But my heart belongs to only two things: the science of robotics, and Missy. " Missy felt herself blush.

One of the other teens nodded. "Same. The robotics thing I mean. And yeah, I guess we were ALL responsible for that night. I'm still so steamed that that idiot Milk beat us. If ONLY we had worked harder." 

Rachel sighed. "Yeah. I guess we're ALL to blame. I was lazy, which usually isn't like me AT ALL. My parents are both scientists. I was studying bacteria under a microscope at an age where most girls would be combing a doll's hair. I built my first laser before middle school. I really screwed up that night. I'm 15 and I can't believe I had my first alcohol before I even had my first kiss."

Missy smiled. "So we're all in agreement? Andrew can come back?" 

Nate smiled. "Well I for one think so. What does everybody else think?"

The room echoed with the "ayes" of the other club members. Smiling, Nate patted Andrew on the shoulder. "Welcome back buddy. Good to have you back."

Andrew smiled. "It's good to BE back. And like I said, I promise to work to the best of my ability on this new project." Andrew turned to Missy. "And thank you, Missy. You know, being in this club with you and Caleb, it's kind of like jazz club in middle school, but with robots instead of musical instruments."

Missy smiled. She had had the same thought when she and Andrew had joined. Having Caleb there too had felt oddly familiar. It had been over two years since she had last played an instrument. The school had shut down the jazz club due to not having enough members, and not enough money to shell out on extra instruments anyway. She sometimes missed it, as it was another piece of her childhood she had felt slip away as she herself had slipped out of her overalls and slipped into jeans, new hairstyles, and the occasional bacne. Yet having all her friends around still gave her a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. 

She nodded. "Yeah it kinda IS. I remember the last time we played was at Lola's party. Well, me and Caleb and Lars, when you...."

Andrew held up his hands. "Uh uh uh, let's not go there. The past is the past. That's what we were just talking about, right?"

Missy smiled. "Right. Sorry. Now we just gotta wait for Caleb to get here, then..... Oh shoot, I forgot to introduce everybody to our new members." She turned to Nick and Devin and brought them over to the others and quickly introduced them. By the time everybody was done shaking hands Caleb finally arrived. At last everybody was there. Missy turned to Nate. "So Nate, where IS this honking robot anyway?"

Nate smiled. "This way." He lead them over to the corner of the room. For the first time Missy noticed the stacks of boxes surrounding a prone figure covered by a long dropcloth. Nate pulled the dropcloth off, and Missy and the others gasped. 

The robot, or rather robotic exoskeleton, was humanoid, but at least several heads taller than the tallest teacher at the school. Its legs and arms were long and skinny, like shiny metal branches. Its head was oddly misshapen and skull-like, like the Terminator. 

"But I thought you said you were BUILDING a robot. This one's already built", Missy said. 

Rachel nodded. She pointed at the boxes. "We ARE building it. We spent all weekend visiting other Robotics Clubs in town, as well as junkyards and some hardware stores. The exoskeleton my dad got from work. This was a test robot designed by the Department Of Defense to test new weapons and munitions for the military. My dad has a friend there, and paid him to send it to our house. Think of the exoskeleton as a HUMAN skeleton: we're just putting a new body OVER it according to this blueprint." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a large piece of paper which she unfolded and placed on the table. The others looked at the picture and gasped. 

Missy examined the blueprint and whistled. "Wow, this is incredibly detailed. Whoever drew this is a really good artist. But are you SURE we have enough parts in those boxes? And what about the, um, weapons?" She added the last word in a whisper. 

Rachel shrugged. "We'll just have to look, won't we? As for the guns and stuff, don't worry. Remember my dad is a robotics scientist too. So is my mom. They're divorced, and she lives in Pennsylvania now, but they both still work for the same robotics company. She works for the lab there. My dad said he can try and find some basic light weapons blueprints, and try and build those himself, or I can ask my mom to get some from her own lab and mail them. We have over a month until the first match even begins."

Devin looked at the tall, skeletal robot on the ground. She smiled. "This IS pretty awesome." She smiled at the others. "You know what? I'm happy to be HERE instead of with the cheerleaders. I'm so glad I quit. For some reason this...... THIS feels right. This feels......like ME."

Nate smiled. "Well Devin, you'll fit right in." Devin smiled back. Nate gestured to the boxes. "All right, people. Let's see what we got, shall we?"

So they got to work opening the boxes. Some were light, but some were quite heavy and needed two or more people to lift them and set them on the floor or table. Inside each, as expected, were collections of machine parts, some brand new, some basically scrap. There were dozens of steel platings, chrome and steel casings, pipes, sockets, gears, big and small, as well as wires, cables and circuits, as well as many different components even Missy herself didn't recognize. The dinky sorting robot she and the team had built for the last contest didn't require nowhere NEAR this many parts. 

By the time every single box was unpacked the floor and tables were practically cluttered, making it hard to walk or even sit down. And NOW they got to work getting the tools. Some were in the drawers or storage cabinet in the room, others some of the club members brought from home: wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, industrial scissors, and even a blowtorch. 

Finally, everything was out and ready. They checked the time. Almost 12. They had several hours until lunch. No time like the present. They decided to divide tasks, like they were doing a class project. Some would take parts and work on them at the tables, others would take turns on the floor, removing the old parts of the robot and putting on the new parts they were building. Rachel explained that the exoskeleton would remain pretty much intact, as it was basically like a normal skeleton: they were simply building a new body to put OVER it.

So they got to work. Missy decided to sit down at one of the tables with Nate and Andrew, working on what looked to her like an arm and robotic hand, according to the blueprint they kept passing around. Missy was still nervous, helping to build a robot she knew was designed for fighting, but also excited. She took great pride in being a nerd, and this was basically something out of one of her favorite sci-fi shows. The good guys almost always had a robot sidekick, usually programmed to protect the heroes. She had always wondered how they were built, and now she was basically building one HERSELF. She smiled at Nate next to her. She could tell he was enjoying himself as much as she was. 

Nate smiled as he screwed the metal platings he was working on together. "I remember working on MY first robot. It was actually one of those little alarm clocks, one of those wind-up ones with the bells. It was our last year of elementary school, and me and a couple friends worked on it in the basement. We replaced most of the insides with robotics and gave it tiny little legs. We tried programming it so that if it ever got lost it would come running at the sound of your voice, or ring so you could find it. Unfortunately it was a bust. The robotics just didn't work with something so old-fashioned." 

Missy smiled. "That's too bad. At least you tried. But that WOULD be pretty cool, a walking alarm clock that could never be lost. I bet that'd make a fortune. Speaking of, if we win, what are you gonna do with YOUR half?"

Nate smiled. "I was hoping you'd ask. Actually, in just a couple months I'm gonna be 16 and take my driver's test. And I was thinking, um...." He suddenly appeared shy, she noticed. "Well, I was thinking, maybe once I pass, I was thinking maybe I'd get my own car, so I wouldn't have to borrow the family car, and well, I was thinking maybe I could, you know, take you for a ride?"

Missy had to resist the urge to squeel with delight. "Oh my god, that sounds flipping AWESOME!!!! Where would we go?"

"Well, I dunno. Maybe just out into the country, like only an hours drive, visit the farmers market. Or maybe we can go to the state fair when it comes to town. They have a pretty cool science exhibit. And some pretty great music."

Missy smiled, still trying to contain her excitement. "Wow, I can't wait!! I don't know what I'LL do with MY share. My parents are always saying how money is "the root of all evil" and all that."

Andrew, who was himself tinkering with the scrap in front of him but not having much luck, laughed bitterly. "Yeah well, tell that to MY dad. We'll probably still have that old car by the time I'm 50. The car started smoking the other day, and he just popped open the hood, grabbed the hose and sprayed it until it stopped. He just shouted "drink this and SHUT UP!!!" And as for me, my dad would rather light a wad of cash on fire than pay for driving lessons for ME."

Nate smiled. "Well, if you want, Andrew, I can give you some lessons once I get my license. Maybe out in the country, like in the fields, no traffic. That's where I learned. I already know I'm going to pass."

Andrew smiled. "Thanks Nate. Yeah, maybe. I just hope I don't crash." He laughed. "Then again, I can't POSSIBLY be worse than Lola!! Did I ever tell you we all almost DIED not long ago, Nate?"

As Andrew and Nate talked, Missy busied herself with the task in front of her, occasionally looking up at Nate. Between wrenching nuts and bolts and driving screws, she pictured her and Nate on that country drive. When Missy had hid in the school closet on her first day, she never would have imagined she'd end up HERE. She had to admit, she was still a bit nervous about how the rest of high school would turn out, and even more nervous about her inevitable college years, but as Coach Steve had said, "one shoe-meat step at a time." She smiled. She wasn't sure where these steps would eventually take her, but as long as she had Nate, her friends, her parents, her cousins, the Robotics Club, and Mona of course, even if she got stuck or fell, she knew she'd always be able to keep going. 

Andrew's POV

As Andrew tried attaching the doohickeys to the thingamabobs (he barely knew jack about mechanics, so he actually had no idea what he was working on), he kept glancing across the table at Missy and Nate. He tried not to feel jealous as he watched them work side by side, talking quietly and occasionally smiling at each other. First, because Missy had made it abundantly clear that she only liked him, Andrew, as a FRIEND, nothing more. And second, because Andrew actually liked Nate, and would never try to come between him and Missy. Not only because last time he DID try he had fallen off a cliff, but because Nate was a great guy, damn it. Cool. Mysterious. Kind. Smart. Tall. Handsome. Great hair. Muscles. The whole package. 

Still, he couldn't help but feel sad as he watched them. He couldn't lie to himself, he STILL had feelings for Missy, and probably always would. You never forget your FIRST girlfriend. Even though it had been over two years since their only date, followed by their breakup at Jessi's bat mitzvah, Andrew still felt his heart fill with sadness every time he thought of it. Why couldn't he just get OVER her? It's not like Missy was his ONLY love. There had been Bernie......

Andrew paused in thought. Maybe that was just it. Maybe the reason Andrew had gotten his hopes up a while back when Missy had invited him to the game, had HOPED she was back into him, was because the thought of getting back together with her would have been a return to NORMALCY. Like taking a step backwards into tweenhood. So much had happened since him and Missy had had that awkward dance at Bridgeton Middle, the event that had made him realize his feelings. So many things. Some good. Some bad. Some downright TERRIBLE. The porn addiction. Nick's sister and the bathing suit. The Shame Wizard. His grandfather dying. Bernie. Her coming to dinner. His mother leaving. Bernie dumping him. His mother returning but his dad still being an asshole. Timon's boobs and Pumbaa's fists. Him and Nick and their too-many-to-list fights. Maury leaving. Feeling like an outcast at this school. Even HERE. 

So was it any wonder that maybe, just MAYBE, he had merely hoped that Missy still reciprocated his feelings just because it would feel like old times, better times? Times when school was ALL he had to worry about? Maybe it wasn't even truly ABOUT her so much as he just wanted to feel like his old self again. Even Missy had admitted that Robotics Club reminded her of Jazz club. Maybe SHE yearned for nostalgia too. 

He sighed and looked over at Nick, who was working at another table with Caleb and another guy. He saw Nick occasionally glance over at Devin, who was kneeling on the floor with Rachel and a couple others, working on the robot's main body. He sighed again. Even NICK had somebody again. So Nick could score somebody as beautiful and awesome as Devin, and he himself couldn't even keep a long-distance relationship, much less his hair, or his Hormone Monster? Did the universe have some cosmic grudge against Andrew Glouberman? 

Once more he wished he could talk to Maury. He hadn't even seen him since Friday night, when they had had one last fap together in the crumbling bathroom. He hadn't even popped in to say hello over the weekend. Well, he hadn't exactly PROMISED to either, but he HAD said their relationship had been "the most special". Surely that MEANT something, besides just those words? Sure, he knew Maury was probably busy with Nick, but would it have killed him to make himself visible this morning during the bus ride, or even NOW? When a Monster left their client, was that REALLY the end, permanently and FOREVER? 

Andrew sighed yet again and got up, leaving his sloppily assembled work on the table. All this stressful thinking was making him thirsty. He saw the water fountain in the corner of the room. Walking carefully, as there were still lots of parts on the floor, some still wrapped, he stepped over to the fountain and took a long drink. 'If they're so good at building and fixing stuff, you'd think they'd be able to make the water COLDER', he thought, but shrugged and took another long sip. He was just thinking about the time he'd been drinking from a water fountain at his grandfather's funeral and his cousin had snuck up behind him and scared him when a voice behind him made him almost jump: "Excuse me, fart boy. I'd like a drink too eventually."

Andrew turned. Rachel stood behind him, frowning, her arms crossed. Andrew had the feeling that although she had given the ok for him to rejoin the club, she still hadn't fully forgiven him. He moved aside and she took his place by the fountain. As she drank Andrew decided he'd better clear the air with her now. 

After she'd finished and turned away from the fountain Andrew sighed as he began. "Rachel, look, I understand if you're still upset about the robot thing and the game. I mean, the truth is I have a history of screwing things up, ruining things, for both myself and others. Like I said earlier I still take full responsibility for the robot thing. Just because I was bored I made everybody else shirk your task, not to mention roping y'all into underage drinking. As for the game, yes I was jealous. Cause I used to like Missy. And because Nate is a cool guy. Way cooler than I'll ever be. I see why y'all worship him."

Rachel sighed. She no longer seemed annoyed, and wasn't glaring at him any longer, for which he was grateful. "Andrew, look......" She began. 

But Andrew had to finish. "No listen, ok? The truth is, I'm beginning to realize that maybe this whole thing, me being here, it's not about MISSY. Not entirely, at least. The truth is, I used to BE like y'all here. Interested in science. In learning. For English class I read Doubting Andreas. You know that book?" She shook her head. "It was quite a great read. And me and Nick and Missy partnered up for a science project. We just went with the old classic, a model volcano. And for our first and only date me and Missy went to this science museum about the human body. Like an anatomy museum. It was pretty cool. The point is, I actually enjoyed being a nerd. I even liked jazz club. I guess I just got so caught up in being, well, a pervert that I lost my true self. The Andrew that loved learning. But I really, REALLY want to BE that Andrew again. I KNOW he's still in there. This is my chance, maybe my ONLY chance, to bring him back. Do you understand?"

Rachel stared at him. Her arms were still crossed, but not as angrily as before. She sighed again. "Yes, i suppose I do. Like I said earlier we were ALL at fault for that night. Missy for what she did, but also US for leaving and partying just because we got bored. I'm just lucky I didn't come home with a hangover, otherwise my dad would have totally grounded me, then I wouldn't have even been able to GO to that game!!"

Andrew laughed. "Yeah, again, sorry about the game too. But yeah I understand what having strict parents is like. My dad once took off my door once he and my mom caught me getting naughty on Zoom with my ex, and my mom drove all the way out to Brooklyn when me and Nick snuck out there to try shrooms. My dad suggested chaining me to the wall in my room after that, like a medieval prisoner."

Rachel gasped and laughed. "You did SHROOMS? Gross!!! I HATE mushrooms!!! Plus they could have been poisonous."

Andrew laughed. "Well, they WERE coated in chocolate, but still tasted weird, rubbery. But we were totally tripping. Like seeing things, WEIRD things. Like the world had turned into some trippy cartoon or some 60s hippie painting. Just flat-out fucking WEIRD. We even FELT weird, like sort of being out of our bodies. Believe me, I'll NEVER do shrooms again."

Rachel laughed. "Yeah I'll say. But you know my cousin tried LSD once. Again, all my family are into science, and him and some friends were testing things, trying out this new formula. He tried some, and he told me him and his college friends were totally over the falls, just doing weird shit. Like my cousin actually tried to marry a stray cat!!!"

Andrew laughed. " A CAT?!!"

She nodded. "Yeah, just one of the strays that hung around the college. He thought it was some sexy cat creature like in some fantasy video game, and even said it spoke to him. Then again he IS a Furry, so I'm not really surprised he did that shit while tripping."

Andrew laughed again, and so did she. Andrew could tell he was finally winning her over. She was actually pretty, he noticed. Her eyes behind her large glasses burned with intelligence and determination, but also were full of kindness, and, he could sense it now, forgiveness. Her long brown hair. Her smile was also cute, especially now that she was finally smiling at HIM. Andrew knew that he wanted her to KEEP that smile. Wanted to stay on her good side. Because he wanted her to like him. As a friend? Or maybe............ 'No, I can't think about things like that now. No girls. No dating. No porn. No getting horny. No pervy thoughts of ANY kind. Today is the start of a BETTER Andrew. With Maury gone you can finally DO IT. Just shake her hand and get back to the table.' 

Resisting the urge to shake his head to clear his thoughts, he held out his hand. "So, we're good now, you and me?" 

She smiled again and shook his hand. Her hand was soft but surprisingly cold. "Yeah, we're good. Sorry for earlier. I actually DID enjoy hanging out with you, at the hotel. I think I need to learn to unwind more, have fun. Not like THAT, drinking and shirking my duty, but just hang out. My dad works all the time and I have to stay home and watch the house. It's not much fun, you know? But maybe sometime, we could....."

"Hey Rachel, what's taking so long?" They turned and saw one of the other teens waving from the floor, where they were working on the robot body. Devin was still there too, and she turned to look at them. Maybe it was his imagination, but he thought she smiled slightly as she saw them standing together before she turned back to the robot. 

They turned back to each other and laughed. "Yeah I should get back to work. So much to do", Rachel said. But she smiled. "But maybe we'll chat a bit during lunch if you want. We can all sit together at lunch. After I think I'll hit the computer lab for a bit. You ever play co-op? There's a great Spaceships and Martians MMORPG game we all play."

Andrew smiled. "That sounds great. Sure, see you at lunch."

She smiled and nodded, then walked back towards the others on the floor. Andrew watched as she walked away. He couldn't help looking at her figure. If Maury were here, he knew he would make a remark about how her white shorts made her ass stand out. He didn't NEED to. Andrew noticed. Noticed, and kicked himself. Shaking his head, he scolded himself again, again reminding himself that he was no longer THAT Andrew. 'Stop it, Andrew. You're no longer the gross, perverted, horny Andrew. You're a normal teenager, and she's a girl who's trying to be your friend. Don't fucking BLOW this. She forgave you and finally likes you. Don't ruin it.'

With a sigh he walked back over to the table. He saw Nate and Missy were almost done with their parts. They smiled at him as he sat down. Nate asked if he wanted him to help him finish his part. Andrew shook his head and glumly pulled the pieces towards him and started wrenching again. He figured if he could keep his hands busy, his member wouldn't bother interrupting him to use them for pleasure. What was that saying? Something about idle hands. Well, Andrew just had to make sure he'd never be idle. In fact, for the next weeks, months, whatever, he vowed he'd make sure he was to busy to be horny. If that was the only way to kill the old Andrew, so be it. Without Maury, he felt his horniness waning, the evil Andrew weakening. Now was the time for the pivotal strike that would put that Andrew out of both of their misery. 

Rachel's POV

As Rachel walked back to the others crowded on the floor around the robot, her head spun. She felt dizzy, but not in a nauseous way, and her face felt hot. Perhaps she was just stressed? They only had a month to get this robot ready. Plus she had stayed up late again last night. She always did, tinkering on a new model or running a new program or playing a robot simulator on the computer. Even her dad sometimes stayed up late and they would watch an old sci-fi movie or tv show in the living room. Of course that hadn't happened lately. Her dad had been busier than ever lately. So had her mom apparently. She hadn't called in over a month. 

Rachel sat down next to the newcomer Devin. The girl smiled at Rachel as she sat down. "Hey. Took a while. I did the best I could while you were gone." She pointed at the spot she was working. They had pulled open the panel on the robot's "chest" and were replacing the old, damaged gears and circuitry with new, state-of-the-art stuff. Devin pointed at the new cables and wires they had installed. Devin explained that she had done her best connecting them to the correct slots according to the blueprint and Rachel's instructions, and had fastened them into place with a small, plier-like tool. Rachel nodded, her mind still on Andrew and their conversation. Suddenly, he didn't seem like such a bad guy. In fact, he was very nice. And he had a great smile. She couldn't help herself. She looked over at the table where he sat. She tried not to laugh as she watched him struggle with the part he was working on. She heard him curse as one of the bolts flew off as he wrenched too hard. Poor guy, maybe she should go help him? He was very funny. Sweet. Kind of cute. 

Rachel shook her head. CUTE? Had she totally lost her mind? Until she met Nate, she had never even been INTERESTED in boys. School, studying, and science, especially robotics, had been her life since elementary school. Romantic feelings had felt like a distraction, especially after her parent's divorce. Her dad hadn't been on a date as far as she knew since the divorce like four years ago. When she had met Nate and joined the robotics club she had been surprised to find herself attracted to him. But she had tried to fight those feelings, and had actually been sort of relieved when she had realized him and Missy had feelings for each other. She had vowed to focus only on school and the Robotics Club. She certainly wasn't going to allow herself to be distracted by ANOTHER guy. ESPECIALLY one who picked his nose, acting like nobody could see him. 

Still she couldn't look away. There was just something about him. When they had shaken hands, Rachel had felt...... strange. Even though his hand was somewhat sweaty, it was also soft. Before she could stop herself, she wondered what his lips were like. She grit her teeth. 'There I go again. What the fuck is wrong with you, Rachel? Stop thinking about boys and get back to work!!' She turned back to the robot, hoping nobody had noticed her looking at Andrew. To her immediate embarrassment, Devin spoke next to her. "You were talking to Andrew for a while. Are y'all good now?"

Rachel busied herself with checking the wires, making sure they were in the correct spots. "Yeah, it's cool. He's cool. I mean, I guess. I mean, I'm not mad anymore. Y'all were right, he deserves to be here. We need all the help we can get." She smiled at Devin. "Thank YOU by the way, for joining. You and Nick." Devin smiled as Rachel finished checking the wires. They were all right. She smiled. "You did a great job while I was gone."

Devin smiled. "Well, I actually have tinkered a bit myself in the past. Once, the toaster broke. Like it wouldn't toast on one side. The coils wouldn't heat. We were going to throw it out, then me and my sister found our mom's old hair dryer. A real big, expensive one. We took out the coils in the hair dryer and the broken ones in the toaster and swapped them. It worked. We put bread in the toaster and voila. We had toast again."

Rachel was shocked. That was pretty impressive. "You....... you said you're a CHEERLEADER?"

Devin smiled again. "I WAS. Not anymore. I'm still trying to figure out who I REALLY am."

Rachel nodded. "I can understand THAT. Like, sometimes I wonder if I actually WANT to be a scientist, like my parents and most of my other family. I mean, it's fascinating stuff, and I really enjoy learning and working, but sometimes I feel like maybe I should try something else. I mean I'll ALWAYS love science and technology, but maybe I could do something else I'd love just as much. I mean, you're only in high school once. I just sometimes think I'm wasting these chances, these years by just focusing on ONE thing, even though my parents did it too."

Devin nodded. "That's EXACTLY why I did it. Quit the cheerleading squad. Cause I wanted to try other stuff. Also cause I realized I wasn't really happy, cause I realized that maybe I was doing it to make my mom happy, cause she was a cheerleader, now she's a big-time coach. I just took a long look at myself and realized I was living a lie, and couldn't do it anymore. But you know what? Being here, today, I actually enjoy it. Even though at first I didn't know what I was doing." She laughed as she looked at the plier-like tool in her hand. 

Rachel smiled. "No, you did GREAT. Really. And I'M happy you're here too."

Devin smiled. "Thanks. Look, Rachel, if you really, REALLY love this, then that's great, but if you feel like you want to try something else, then that's good too. It's ok to even do BOTH. I simply didn't LIKE cheerleading. It just wasn't for ME anymore. But I submitted some of my poems today, and I'm super excited. I know poetry won't pay the bills when I'm older, but writing poems makes me happier than soccer or cheerleading ever did. And THIS", she gestured to the robot in front of them, "is fun too. I may not know what I want to do LATER, but for now, poetry and robots are pretty fun. We can figure out the rest later, Rachel. We're teenagers. What matters now is what we DO now."

Rachel smiled. Devin's words definitely made her feel a bit better. "Who knew an ex-cheerleader could be so wise? You're right. I may find a new passion this afternoon or even tomorrow. But for now, I'm happy just hanging with my crew."

Devin smiled, and the girls went back to work on the robot. After they and the others on the floor finished their work in the chest, they put on the new, shiny chestplate and screwed it on. By now, some of the others had finished building other parts and they set to work attaching those too. Rachel took a look. So far so good. So far they had a new leg, a new hand and half an arm. If they kept this up, they'd have this sucker done WAY before the match. She checked the time on her phone and gasped. 'Whoa, we've been working WAY longer than I thought, it's almost lunch!!' She put her phone back and went over to Nate, who was still sitting at the table talking to Missy and Andrew. Since Nate was the leader, it fell under his decision to call break. As she told him the time, she looked at Andrew, who smiled. She tried not to blush as she smiled back, and was glad when Nate called break. But she couldn't turn away as Andrew approached her as everyone got up and started to head out, some stretching after sitting down so long. Andrew smiled as he walked up to her. 

"Hey. So, you still wanna play that game after lunch? I gotta warn you I'm not very good at computer games, or video games in general. And I've never played an MMORPG game before." 

Rachel tried again not to blush as she smiled and replied. "Sure, I'll help you create a profile if you need help setting up. And don't worry, you don't have to pick the Warted Space Troll in THIS game. The MMO has dozens of different characters and classes to choose from, humans and aliens. Robots too." For some reason, Rachel definitely wanted Andrew to pick something cool. Somebody awesome, tough. Dashing. She quickly added. "In fact next time we play the real game I'll have them start over so you can play something closer to your character you create in the MMO today."

Andrew smiled. "Will YOU still be Vоlսptսana?", he asked, referring to the last time they played. 

Rachel knew she was blushing now. 'Hes definitely flirting with me!! Oh god, and I kind of LIKE IT!!!' She smiled. "Well, maybe. I mean I've played her for like the last couple games. The board game I mean. My character in the MMO is Dr Lechar, an anagram of my own name. A scientist, obviously, with skills at reprogramming enemy robots and upgrading weapons and technology, but she's also a skilled gunfighter and hand-to-hand combatant."

Andrew laughed. "Wow, awesome. I totally can't wait. I guess I'll see you after lunch then?"

Rachel smiled. She realized she was actually looking forward to playing with him, teaching him if she had to. "Sure. Are you eating in the cafeteria or student lounge? If you want you can sit with us at our table, now that you're one of us again."

Andrew smiled. "Cool. Maybe we can pretend we're in the mess hall on our ship or something. You know, get into story mode early."

Rachel felt herself blush harder. He was DEFINITELY cute, she realized. A bit gross, kind of pudgy and hairy, but cute. Again she wondered if his lips were as soft as his hand. She smiled as she replied, hoping he didn't notice her blush. "Yeah that would be cool. Kinda hard to get pizza in space though. See you soon, I'm just gonna help cover the robot back up. See you soon." 

As soon as he walked off she sighed. At least she didn't embarrass herself. Again she wondered where this attraction to Andrew had come from. Her and boys was definitely something new. She thought surely she'd be in college before she started thinking about romance. Then again, she had thought the same thing about getting drunk. Of course, THAT was thanks to Andrew too. 

She sighed again as she helped the last few remaining Robotics members move some of the parts and cover the robot. She was just thinking about how heavy it would be once they finished working and how hard it would be to move to her dad's garage when she heard that dreaded voice behind her. 

"Girl, you gotta chase that hairy little limesicle. He's probably the only real catch here on YOUR level of the totem pole!!" 

Rachel sighed. 'Oh fuck, OF COURSE she saw everything.', she thought. She turned to see Megan, her Hormone Monstress, smiling at her. She gritted her teeth. Megan had shown up earlier this year once Rachel had started developing breasts, having been a late bloomer. Around the same time she had developed feelings for Nate, actually. While her boobs were at least a decent size, she was sure Megan was only partly responsible. She had hoped once Missy and Nate had started dating that Megan would back off and let her enjoy her developing body in peace (even she enjoyed her developing breasts, hence her naming her character Vоlսptսana), but Megan had been a source of almost constant annoyance. Why couldn't she just get that Rachel didn't have the time, much less the DESIRE for romance? Sure, she got horny occasionally, but usually refrained from self-pleasure. USUALLY. 

Rachel sighed again. "Megan, PLEASE. Now is NOT the time OR place. I have too much to think about, too much to do. Besides, I barely KNOW him. I mean sure, he's KIND of cute, and funny, and really sweet, and....." Rachel had to practically bite her tongue to stop herself from continuing as she saw Megan's triumphant expression. The Monstress stared at Rachel with that expression until she finally sighed. 

"Ok look, maybe I DO kind of like him. But I just can't afford the distraction right now, Megan. Remember when I got distracted by that video game? I barely managed to catch up on my homework. I had to stay up all night to finish that report!! My dad would've been FURIOUS if I had gotten anything but an A!!! Plus that fiasco at the robot convention. I still can't believe I committed underage drinking!!! That's a CRIME, you know!!!"

Megan, still smiling, shook her head sarcastically. "My dear, you just don't seem to get it. You're so intelligent, but you don't seem to realize, intelligence doesn't only come from your HEAD, but your HEART too. AND your twat", Rachel flinched at the word, but Megan paid no heed and went on, "the point is, EVERY part of you has a voice, child, and the greatest minds only got where they did by LISTENING to every part. Einstein. Marie Curie. Stephen Hawking. Thomas Edison. Do you think any of THEM ignored their hormones? The point is, girl, when your brain tells you it's time for science, then it's time for science, but when your snatch says it's time for a boy, then God damn it, it's time for a BOY!!!"

Part of Rachel wanted to cover her ears in case Megan continued, which luckily she didn't, but the other part weighed her words carefully. Maybe, the latter part thought, just MAYBE she had a point. Wasn't she just a while ago saying to Devin that maybe she wanted MORE from life than just the Robotics Club? Maybe it would be fun to have something to think about besides school and homework and robots, something to do in her spare time besides watching the house or playing on the computer. Sure, she sometimes talked to the other Robotics Club members on the phone and played with them online, but they themselves were often too busy. Maybe what she needed was somebody more NORMAL, somebody who could talk about something besides just NERD shit. Plus, she reckoned, hormones, horniness, romance, were all technically science in a way. Just a different kind. 

Finally she sighed. "Ok, ok. I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. But Megan, how would I even BEGIN trying to seduce him? I'm a 15 year old virgin with no prior relationship experience, a strict father, and little to no understanding of pop culture. Like he's probably into newer, cooler movies, shows, video games, and I only know the stuff my parents grew up on. I'm just worried we'll have nothing in common!!!"

Megan laughed. "SEDUCE?!! Girl, you're a TEENAGER, not a witch or succubus. You don't SEDUCE a boy, you simply get him to notice you. You remind me of my other client, Danni. She couldn't make up her mind about these two boys she liked, couldn't decide who she'd rather go out with. You, YOUR problem isn't between two boys, just between new experiences and your comfort zone. Just be CHARMING, honey. Like you were earlier. He likes you already. He was practically flirting with you!!! The fire is there already. Just keep tending the flames."

Rachel thought again and smiled. Even Megan had noticed that he'd been lowkey flirting with her. She was right: what did she have to lose? Her brain wouldn't deduct IQ points for pursuing a relationship. If it didn't work, she wouldn't lose anything but time. If it did, she could MAKE time for school, the Robotics Club AND Andrew. Her dad might not approve, or her mom, if either or both found out, but she WAS great at keeping secrets, again remembering indulging in alcohol at the hotel. Plus, she simply longed for something new. Exploring new territory, like a space crew in an uncharted region. 

Finally she nodded. Smiling again she said: "Ok, we'll do it. Nothing ventured nothing gained, right? Nothing too desperate though, just start by talking to him at lunch, then in the computer room, we'll..... oh snap!!! We gotta get to lunch before all the pizza is gone!! Come on, Andrew is probably already there!!!" Not looking to see if Megan was following, knowing she could basically teleport anyway, Rachel ran out of the room in the direction of the cafeteria, hoping there was enough pizza for her and the others, and, even more importantly,

hoping there would be a spot next to Andrew at the table.

End of chapter 4

Hope y'all are enjoying it. In the next coming chapters, like by the end of chapter 5, I start hinting towards the crossover, and chapter 7 is when it actually starts happening for real, so just be patient. Again chapter 5 comes right after, you'll be able to read chapter 5 and so on, cause I already have all chapters up till chapter 11 already written and am posting them back-to-back. After I finish posting them today I'm going to start on chapter 12, and will post it as soon as I finish. 

Anyway please be sure to follow, like and review. It always means a lot to me.