Christina walked out of the school after last period and laughed thinking back to lunch. She had had lunch with Joey and his friends again. Now she loved hanging out with his friends. They were a lot of fun to hang around. They seemed to bring the best out of each other.

Chris had drank chocolate milk through his nose and spat it all over Lance's shirt. Lance had kicked Chris from under the table but that only caused Chris to throw a cookie at him. Lance tried to fight back but Lila told him not to so he didn't. JC then stood up for Lance and poured a bottle of water over Chris' head. Everyone had laughed at Chris because then he was all soaked.

Christina remembered watching Joey. She didn't know why she stared at him, but she did. She found him very attractive, a way she never found Justin attractive. Joey was funny, sweet, caring and a great person to be around.

She smiled to herself as she walked to her red sports car in the parking lot. She felt a hand on her shoulder as she unlocked the door. She turned around and saw Lila. She put her keys back into her jacket pocket.

“Hi Christina. Can you believe that at lunch today?” Lila chuckled.

“It was so hilarious, and so are they.” Christina laughed along with her. “I've never had real friends and I guess I didn't know who friends acted around each other.”

“You are our friend now. We didn't know what to expect from you at first, though. I mean you were and still are mighty popular, but we learned you are just a normal person. You respect us and we appreciate it. You got to know us before you judged us.”

“I never have. Truthfully, the first day I only sat with you guys cause I saw Justin and Missy kissing, but the moment I sat down, I was like wow, you know? I liked being there, I didn't think I would,” Christina said unaware someone else was listening to their conversation.

“It's good that you can be honest about it. But we all enjoy having you around, especially Joey. He has always had a major crush on you,” Lila said. Joey never wanted that revelation revealed, but she felt Christina should know about it since it involved her.

“He does?”

“You like him too, don't you?” Christina tried to act like she didn't, but she had to admit she did. Maybe just a little bit. “Come on it's okay. I know you do, I can see it.”

“Maybe I have a little crush on Joey. He's just so sweet and caring. He made me believe in myself again and that I deserve better than Justin and that I don't have to do anything I don't want to do. Joey was the first person to stand up to me and tell me the truth about my life. He's become very special to me.”

“Why don’t you ask him to the dance then?” Lila suggested.

“It's just a little crush. I don't want to go on any dates right now. I'm still trying to get over Justin.”

“But Joey would never..…”

“I know he wouldn't hurt me, Lila, but I just need some time. Besides, me and Joey are great friends. I don't want to ruin that.”

“That’s sweet.” Lila smiled. “You and Joey are very lucky that you found such good friends in each other. Joey has always been nervous with girls, but with you he can easily talk to you and tell you things he can usually only tell us.”

“I care about Joey very much and I'm really glad I know you guys....all of you. If it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't have been able to accept me and Justin were over. I thank you for everything,” Christina said putting her bag in the back seat of her car and then closed the door.

“I just want Joey to be happy for once,” Lila said. “He deserves some happiness.”

Christina looked back at Lila. “What do you mean?”

“Joey's life has been rough. His parents divorced when he was young and a few years ago his mother passed away. He has lived with his grandmother for years and he barely gets out. Really all he has is his music and us,” Lila explained.

“I had no idea.” Christina felt bad for him. “He seems so happy. I just figured…”

“We all did at first, too. But the fact is he's had it tough. We all care about him and want what’s best for him,” Lila finished. “We all think you are perfect for each other. I just hope one day you'll give each other the chance.”

Christina pondered over that for a second. “We’re good friends,” she said eventually. “That’s enough for both of us, I think.” Joey had never told her anything different. He had said to her countless times that he doesn’t want to get involved in a relationship.

“If that’s what you want, I won’t say anything more.” There was a loud honk. Lila turned and saw Lance’s car. “Well, I better get going. Just think about what I said.”

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