Courtney is still on her mourning mode but this time she’s quite not sure if it is still about her ex-boyfriend or otherwise. She is expecting to see Neil the next day after she encountered him but disappoints her when she hadn’t seen him until the end of the day. But still she finds herself thinking her memories with Simon. Simon’s quips, Simon’s laugh, Simon’s hotness and Simon’s cuteness.

____

“Any sign of Mr. knight in shining armour?” Paddy asked Courtney during lunch.

“I haven’t seen him.” Courtney answered shortly. Her mind is still occupied with Simon but tries not to cry. It seems like her tears had ran out from the last night’s sobbing.

“So you’re looking for him ha?” Heather is trying to psycho her.

“Shut up psycho!” Courtney barks back.  

“Who is this mystery guy ha? This is interesting. Maybe he just showed because you need him. Court, try to be clumsy for a day, maybe he’ll showed up!” Taylor joked.

“I’m not clumsy like you guys!” Courtney teased back.

“Ouch! That really hurts Allen!” Paddy pouted and addressed Courtney by her last name. Paddy reacted who is the queen of clumsiness.

As usual the cafeteria filled with their laughter’s.

____

Half of Courtney’s heart still coming back to Simon but half of her heart also wants to let go. She doesn’t know how to handle this post-traumatic heartbreak thingy. It was her first heartbreak but she was also grateful that her three best friends were with her last night. They are the only ones in the world that make her sane in times like this but drive her insane when everything is just fine. Great friends.

Taylor got her camera back. She is behaving in a modest manner when she’s working project with Kent. It is so Taylor when her crush is around. She just can’t act normally like what she does when she’s with her friends. Kent teases Taylor every time they see each other in their history class or when they get to see each other in the hallway about what he saw on Taylor’s camera when he borrowed it overnight. No matter how embarrassed she was, she just can’t hate or push Kent away. She should start getting use of Kent teasing her.

_____

As Kent entered his first subject where he shared the class with Taylor, he pulled out the camera he borrowed, no actually stole from her during their Photography class the other day, from his backpack. He is giving it back since he was done scanning Taylor’s camera last night.

He walked straight ahead to Taylor’s seat and leaned down to Taylor’s ear and whispered something.

“I did not know you play soccer er?” Kent winked. He handed Taylor her camera back and turned away then he stopped and looked back again at Taylor who perspires a lot like she ran the oval.

“And guitar. That’s awesome!” Kent mouthed and turned away grinning. God, he likes teasing this girl.

____

Taylor is starting to think that Kent won’t stop teasing her because he wants her attention, how conceited it was? Taylor is never been quiet her whole life until she met him. Was this love at first sight?

Heather finally greeted Tyler in a good mood but it was all miscommunication. It was when Courtney called Tyler as ‘Ty’. Since Heather was busy exchanging books from her locker, she heard it was ‘Tay’ and thought it was Taylor. She looked up and greeted Taylor but her happy expressions shifted to annoyance when she saw it wasn’t Taylor but Tyler. Seriously, why on earth is your best friend’s name sounds like your best enemy’s name?

____

“Hey Ty!” Courtney greeted Tyler as he walks towards them.

“Hey Tay!” Heather thought it was Taylor.

“So you’re now talking to me Ms. Malibu? Does this mean you’re going out with me?” Taylor winked.

“No, I thought you were Taylor!” Heather who is a little embarrassed ran out of words. “And why am I even talking to you?” Heather turned to Courtney to grab her arms when Courtney objected. “Whoa, go ahead! I’m coming. No need to drag me again.”

Heather walked away and Courtney followed. “I’m sorry Ty. See you later!” Courtney apologized for her friend’s behaviour.

They leave Tyler there standing with a smirked on his face.

____

Paddy enjoys every lunch with James. It seems like the two are very comfortable with each other’s company. At first glance, you would say Paddy and James have something, like they are dating. All they have to do is to make it official. But James is not asking Paddy out yet which made Paddy wouldn’t think about something higher than friendship. Both sides were just riding with the flow. Just enjoy each other’s presence.

**

Taylor’s car has been delivered early than they thought. The four girls agreed to go out tonight since it is Friday night and they need to loosen up. They’ve been studying so hard to catch up with their lessons; maybe it’s time to have a break, a real break.

James suggested that they should try Inco’s; it is where most of the Spencer’s students hang out. It is a 15 minute drive from Spencer and James would meet them up there.

The girls are all set and they’re ready to leave. Heather and Courtney overdressed for a small town’s bar but they look gorgeous with their sundress and paired with flat sandals. Taylor is still on her jeans per usual and paired up with her boots that compliment her long legs. Paddy who is the only one with a date tonight spend hours choosing her clothes and finally settled on high waist shorts and tank top with a pair of ballet flat shoes which made her even shorter but Paddy is still proud of it. Unfortunately this is not California so they have their coat with them for mid-October weather.

After fifteen minutes, Taylor pulled off to Inco’s drive. The three girls get out of the car and made their way inside the Inco’s. As they remove their coat, the fellas inside Inco’s stop and stare at the four new beautiful girls in town.

“Hey guys! You made it!” James greeted them.

“It’s on the way so we never get lost. Thank god!” Taylor who drives said.

Inco’s have pool tables and foosball. It also has a dance floor where some fellas are dancing right now. It is so far different from the polo club where the four girls usually hang out back in Sacramento. They wish Inco’s have bowling alley because aside from soccer, it is the only sport they are good at. They never played pool before. Foosball is not that bad at all.

“Two Martini’s please.” Courtney ordered. She badly needs some alcohols right now. One for Heather since Taylor’s not drinking, aside from the fact that she drives, she has a bad hyperacidity and Paddy is allergic to any kind of alcohols.

“I.D please?” The bartender asked.

“What do you mean?” Courtney is confused.

“You couldn’t order drinks here if you’re below 18.” James explained.

“What? I thought eleven years old could buy drinks in England?” Taylor butted in. “I mean I heard it in the movie.” Taylor explained when her friends shot her a ‘how-the-hell-did-you-know-that’

Since they are all under age, James ordered them cheeseburgers and fries which are Inco’s best. Courtney and Heather went to foosball table and play. Taylor joined Paddy and James in the table.

“So how do you guys find Inco’s ha?” Heather could recognize that voice belongs to Tyler.

“They let you buy beer?” Courtney asked Tyler who is holding a beer in his right hand.

“I have a fake Id.” Tyler winked. “If you want I could get you both but in one condition.”

“What?” Courtney asked.

“Heather would play pool with me.” Tyler offered his condition.

“No way!” Heather objected. Courtney’s looking at her with her lips pouted. “I don’t even know how to play that.”

“I’ll teach you.” Tyler offered.

“Come on Heath, for me please? I need to loosen up.” Courtney pleaded.

Heather thought for a moment. Courtney’s pouted and Tyler is grinning. “Fine! but your treat?” Heather agreed.

“That’s my girl!” Tyler said excitedly.

“I love you Heath!” Courtney giggled and hugged Heather.

“You owe me Court!” Heather glared Courtney.

**

Tyler smirked when he saw Heather and his friends entering the Inco’s. She’s looking even more beautiful with her sundress in this October breeze. When Tyler heard that the bartender refused to give Courtney what she ordered, he came to the best idea to compensate.

He delivered the Martini he ordered for Courtney and Heather. Heather drinks it right away. Damn, she looks tense.

“Come on, I’ll show you what fun is.” Tyler winked as he reached his hand to Heather but Heather ignored it.

“How high is the stake?” Heather asked Tyler as they reached the pool tables.

“I’m here to teach you but If you want to bet..” Tyler hadn’t finished his sentence when Heather cut him off.

“No, I mean, um cuz you won’t stop asking me out which of course I’ll always say no. I came to the idea that you are betting with your friends to date me.” Heather said rolling eye balls.

“Look, after this night, your misconception with me will change. Trust me; I’m not the guy you think I am.” Tyler winked. He never bet with someone else before. All he wants is to get laid and it’s not his fault he is irresistible.

Heather blushed a little bit. She grabs the pool stick and said “How to play this?”

Tyler demonstrated Heather how to handle the pool stick and how to hit the ball. “Make sure you’ll hit the balls in order. If you’ll hit the ball 8 first, you’ll lose. Now try!”

Tyler watched Heather tried hard to hit the ball but still she ended up sending it in wrong direction. Tyler cursed the blazer. If that wasn’t on Heath’s shoulder, probably her cleavage is showing off.

“Come on, hold the stick like this..” Tyler went to Heather’s back guiding her how to handle the stick properly. He touches Heather’s back and she went uneasy.

“Too close, boy.” Heather said pulling away to Tyler’s closeness.

“Fine, now try again.” Tyler is backing off with his hands in the air in defence.

Heather tried again and fortunately hit the ball right and manages to let it in.

“Congratulations.” Tyler clapped his hands. Heather is grinning. She seems so happy. Tyler smiled that Heather is actually enjoying. “Now try the second ball.” Tyler directed.

Heather nod and lucky shot she hit the ball in. Heather couldn’t believe and she throws her hands in air for the high five. “Looks like you’re a fast learner, babe.” Tyler grinned.

“I know right.” Heather winked. Tyler thought he would get another yelling session with Heather after he called her ‘babe’ but looks like she did not objected.

Tyler watched Heather progressing. “So, I think you’re on for the real game?” Tyler challenged.

“I think I am.” Heather agreed.

“Ok, when I win you’ll go on a real date with me.” Tyler offered.

“No, no. This is my first time, I won’t risk.” Heather objected.

“You’re good Heath. Don’t tell me you’re afraid to go with a date with me? Tyler teased. “That’s it when I win but if you’ll win, you won’t get to see me forever if that’s what you want.”

“Ok, you’re on.” Heather accepted the challenged.

“That’s my girl!” Tyler said excitedly. He is sure he’ll win this game and he’s going out with Heather on a real date.

“Stop calling me that!” Heather objected.

Tyler let Heather to play first. She managed to let the third ball in but missed out the fourth. Tyler grinned. He won’t give Heath mercy. He wants to win this match. As he managed to hit the ball in, he could see Heather fidgeted in his peripheral vision.

“Yeah right, I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at 6?” Tyler winked as he’s about to hit the last ball.

“If that ball will in, yes but if it’s not, goodbye Tyler.” Heather said with confidence but Tyler could see she is crossing her fingers.

“Alright!” Tyler hit the ball and he won.

“Shit!” Heather cursed.

“It’s okay babe, fate said we should be together.” Tyler teased.

Heather shrugged. “Don’t call me that!”

“My business is done here.” Heather said and turned away.

“Wait, sure you don’t want another drink?” Tyler called up. “See you tomorrow babe!”

He watched Heather as she approached her friends in the foosball table.

**

“What’s up?” Taylor asked Heather. Taylor raised her head then focused back to the foosball table. She is playing with James and Paddy, Taylor and Paddy versus James.

“I lose.” Heather muttered.

“What?” Taylor asked her eyes still glued on the foosball.

“I have to go out with Tyler tomorrow because I lose in the pool game.”

“What?!” Taylor and Paddy said in unison. They stop playing foosball and give Heather their full attention.

“Where’s Court?” Heather asked to change the subject. Her gaze went to Courtney whose eyes are on her iPhone. Heather leaves Paddy and Taylor and joins Courtney on the table.

“What’s wrong with her?” Paddy asked still focusing her eyes on the foosball. They have been playing there like forever and James always win.

Taylor as the striker found a chance then took a shot then “GOAAALLLL!!”

Taylor and Paddy shouted when at last, they win. “Ahhhhhh!!!!” They screamed excitedly.

“That’s a lucky shot!” James whined. James was distracted when Paddy and Taylor act like they’re not focusing on the game but looks like Paddy and Taylor outsmarted him.

“No, it’s not!” Paddy winked.

They leave the foosball table and join Courtney and Heather on the table. Courtney looked horrible on her second glass of Martini. She is not a drinker after all. Heather looked depressed so she busied herself eating her fries.

“How’s your date with Tyler, Heath?” Taylor asked as she found her seat across them.

“They’re going to have their official date tomorrow night Tay!” Courtney exclaimed. Heather blushed. She just told Courtney what happened and looks like everybody knows already about it.

“Yeah, I’ve heard that! We should go for a shopping tomorrow.” Paddy suggested. She sat beside James. The two of them are inseparable the whole night. James is so different with the usual boys. He doesn’t drink and smoke which made Paddy fall even more for James.

“As if I am excited, it’s not a date okay? I’m going out with Tyler because to pay up the bet. That’s it.” Heather explained. But she really had to admit it; she had a great time playing pool with Tyler.

“No offense Lockwood, but I am watching you from here. It seems like you’re having a great time with him.” Courtney sang the words. She addressed Heather’s last name.

“I think I am.” Heather admitted. Heather’s ears filled with roaring and teasing. Paddy hugged Heather sideways.

“Oh my god Heath!!!” Taylor exclaimed. She dragged Courtney and Heather to the dance floor. They dance to the rhythm ‘Teach me how to dougie’.

James and Paddy joined them and danced. They’re having so much fun with our without a date.

**

“If it’s okay, I’ll take Paddy to the dorms?” James asked for Paddy’s three best friends’ permission.

“Of course silly, just make sure she’ll get to the dorms safe.” Taylor winked. Good thing James earned their trust especially Paddy’s.

“Great, see you later!” Heather went ahead to the Taylor’s midnight blue Ford Fiesta. She’s assisting Courtney who is a little bit dizzy with the alcohol.  

“Take care Paddy!” Taylor waved goodbye. “James!” Taylor shot him a take-care-of-my-friend-look. James just smiled back and waved goodbye.

James and Paddy walked hand in hand towards James car. James opens up the car door and waits for Paddy to get in. He ran towards the driver’s seat and started the engine. He waits for Taylor to pull out the Inco’s drive.

James looked at Paddy whose eyes on the road. He forgot to tell her how beautiful she is tonight. He never told her that she is his first date and the first ever girl that he gave a ride home.  

“What?” Paddy noticed that James is looking at her.

“Thank you!” James curved a smile. He took a small glance to Paddy then back to the road.

“For what?” Paddy asked. She couldn’t just stop smiling when she is with James.

“For tonight, honestly, I’ve never been out of the house for a long time. Um, except for school of course.” James said. He doesn’t know why he’s telling this but he felt light when he’s with Paddy.

“Oh? I had a great time too James.” Paddy answered. “Thanks to you too.”

“I am a Provost son Paddy. I never told this to anyone because I don’t want anyone to weird around me. My dad doesn’t want me to hang out with Spencer’s brats, so I’m glad you came here. I know you aren’t. I don’t want to eat in the office anymore.” James confessed. He never felt so light before.

“Oh James, I did not know. You can hang out with us anytime you want!” Paddy smiled. Her enthusiasm never fades. That’s why James started to like her. “Screw parents! But I’m glad my Parents send me here at Spencer. I’m glad I met you”

“Thanks Paddy!” James laughed. “I really like saying your name. It’s so unique.”

He stopped when they arrived in front of Spencer’s dorm. “We’re here.”

James went out first then open up the Passenger’s door and help Paddy out of the car. “Did I tell you, you look beautiful tonight?”

Paddy blushed. “Oh? You didn’t but I’m glad you noticed.” She giggled.

James laughed and run his hand through his hair which is his habit when he’s nervous or excited or embarrassed.

“What’s so funny James?” Paddy asked. She did not wait for James to answer. “Goodnight James.” Paddy raised her heel so hard and reached James’ cheek to kiss it.

James remained frozen as Paddy ran towards the dorms. Paddy turned back and waved at James. James waved back and watched her fade away.

“Goodnight.” James muttered and walked towards his car. The smile on his face just couldn’t fade away. This night will always be remembered.

***

Courtney had a goodnight sleep because of the alcohol. Heather’s mind is occupied with Tyler and how she enjoyed his company. She thinks she should give Tyler a chance. Taylor slept better as well especially Kent is always there in her dreams. Paddy took an hour before she fell asleep. James is like her stimulant, she gets too excited when he’s around.

Taylor woke up the next day early on a Saturday morning. The sun is shining and today is the best day to play soccer. Paddy who wakes up early as well agreed. She grabs her soccer ball and went to Heather and Courtney’s room. They dressed in a sweatshirts and a pair of shorts with rubber shoes.

“Wake up Heath! Court! We’re going to play soccer today!” Paddy tried to wake up the two bodies that are still sleeping.

“Come on, not now!” Heather said yawning.

“Courtney, seriously you need to exercise, you’ve got a curse of curves!” Taylor teased and Courtney immediately stands up.

“That’s my girl!” Taylor giggled.

Heather’s body reacted when she heard Taylor said what Tyler had call her last night. Courtney and Heather agreed and put their sweatshirts, shorts and rubber shoes. She’s now thinking what if Taylor and Tyler were twins.

“I guess we’re on!” Paddy said while tossing the ball in the air. They hurried to the field and found out that the field is used by Spencer’s football team.

Paddy and Courtney decided to run the oval because of their thickening curves. Heather and Taylor just stayed on the grass and started passing the ball.

“One more turns!” Courtney shouted to Taylor and Heather as she made her second round. Paddy decided to stay behind because she has no more stamina for another round.

“Ouch!” Courtney just hit by the ball straight to her head. She lost her balance and next thing they knew she’s is lying on the oval.

Taylor, Heather, and Paddy run towards Courtney to help her but looks like someone just help her back to her feet again.

**

“Are you alright?” Neil asked Courtney who felt a little dizzy after a flying ball just hit her in the head. Neil who is supposed to save the ball punched it hard and hit a girl straight in the head. He ran towards her and saw she was the crying lady back at the gazebo.

“I’m fine, thanks.” Courtney answered. She is a little pissed.

“Court! Are you okay?” Neil heard her friends asked. So her name is ‘Court’ Neil thought.

“I’m sorry okay.” Neil apologized and gets the ball back. He is in the middle of his training and he needs to get back to practice. He turned his heel when someone called his attention.

“Wait!” He turned his head.

“I’m Taylor.” Taylor reached her hand to shake Neil’s whose hand is still on gloves.

“I’m Neil” Neil smiled back. He removed his gloves and shake Taylor’s hand.

“This is Courtney and what you did is really awful. She could get a brain disorder or something..”

“Taylor!” Courtney cut her off but Taylor continued.

“And I think it’s best if you’d take her for ice cream or anything to cool her head down.” Taylor winked.

“um, Oh, Okay.” Neil thinks for a moment then agreed. This Taylor is funny.

“Great, she’ll wait up until you’re done with your training. By the way this is Heather and Paddy.” Taylor introduced the rest of her friends.

Neil shook their hands. “Nice to meet you and I really need to get back to practice.”

“See you later and remember you owe Courtney!” Neil heard Taylor shouted. Neil shook his head and smiled.

**

“I hate you Tay!” Courtney finally found her voice. She froze when Taylor made amend to Neil.

“You can thank me later, Court.” Taylor winked.

“You’re awesome Tay! I still couldn’t imagine that you remain silent when Kent’s around.” Paddy teased that made Taylor sweat. It’s how her body reacted when she felt embarrassed.

“Yeah, she has the guts to make Neil go out with Courtney but Strong is weaker in terms of Kent ha?” Heather joined the teasing. She addressed Taylor with her last name.

“And why the subject is being passed on me? Aren’t you excited about Courtney and Neil?” Taylor said to change the conversation.

“So that’s it. Good luck Tay when I get to see Kent.” Courtney smirked when she finally knows how to get her revenge.

“Oh my god, please no. I beg you guys!” Taylor pleaded. She sweats like hell.

They walk to the field and played soccer. They are soccer players back in their school before. Taylor plays forward, Paddy plays as a mid-field and Heather plays as a defender. Courtney is supposed to be the goalie but realized her friends need to have a cheerer so decided she’ll be her best friends’ number one fan.

They want to join the Spencer’s football team for girls but they were a month’s too late for the try out. Playing for fun on a Saturday morning sounds great for the four girls especially Courtney whose sweetheart is a Spencer’s goalie.

***

Neil’s training ended early as he thought. He rolled his eyes to find Courtney. Her friend Taylor was right, he owes Courtney big time. He made his way to the four girls who are enjoying playing football. He spotted Courtney who played as a goalie while her other friends try to score.

“Hey guys!” Neil grabbed their attention. “Look, I’ll have to take a shower first. I haven’t eaten my breakfast yet so if Courtney wants, I’ll take her to the town, I’m sure you’re tired of dorms’ meal eh?”

“Courtney would love to, Neil!” Taylor answered for Courtney who looks timid.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up in 30? What’s your room number?” Neil asked Courtney.

“um, you don’t have to do this…” Courtney said but the other blonde that Neil recognizes as Heather cut her off. “37, room 37!” Heather butted in.

“See you Court!” Neil ended the conversation. He wouldn’t take no for an answer, Courtney will and should eat breakfast with him.

**

“Come on Court, you need to be ready at 30!” Heather said.

“I hate you guys, you set me up.” Courtney said, she will have a date with Neil and she’s nervous.

“You’ll be fine Court. Neil is a hottie.” Paddy encouraged. They made their way to their dorms.

“Yes, he is!” Taylor agreed grinning.

They made their way to the dorms laughing at Paddy’s quips, Taylor’s irony, Heather’s humour, Courtney’s amusement and each other’s clumsiness. They are like a tables’ foot, it couldn’t stand when it is less than four.

Courtney will have a breakfast with Neil the goalie, Heather will have to pay up for a bet with Tyler. Paddy and James closeness went tighter as James couldn’t eat lunch alone anymore, James would take Paddy to the best diner in town for lunch. And it will be a long day for Taylor who will be staying at dorms, alone.

A weeklong studying has ended but their weekend hasn’t yet. It will be a great day until their weekend ends. Next Chapter: Chapter 5: Three first dates, one's heartbreak Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 7 Minutes