The school bell rang at 3:15 and the halls flooded with all the Lakeside Academy students. Nessa hurriedly ran out of her English class because Mr. Nueves assigned a new essay topic that was due in two weeks. The only thing Nessa hated more than the band director missing a day of precious rehearsal time was looming deadlines, so with inspiration coursing through her veins Nessa ran to the library dodging the anxious students ready for the parties that normally occur on Friday.

Thankfully the end of the week had finally arrived and Nessa let that drive her progress. Quickly she finished her rough draft and saved the file to the flash drive protruding from the tower. The million-year-old librarian was slowly walking around with the book cart finishing up re-shelving the endless rows.

"Goodnight Ms. Taylor! Have a nice weekend!"

"You too dear! Remember to remind your friend Ari that the book she checked out is due Monday."

"Will do!"

Reaching for the outside pocket of her backpack, Nessa pulled out her phone. There were several texts from Ari reminding her about soccer practice and Kay left a voicemail.

"Hey Nessa, it's Kat. You need to update your voicemail...you sound like a five-year-old."
Nessa scoffed and rolled her eyes at her friend's random comment. "Anyway...my mom can't drive you home today. She's working overtime. Also, I have to start on that English paper from Nueves otherwise my parents will never get off my back. So later tonight we can catch up or something, maybe hang out this weekend. I don't know...call me later! Love ya!"

Nessa sighed at her phone realizing that she didn't have a ride home and she lived on the outer parts of town.

"Great..." Nessa sighed as she ran her fingers through her curly mop. How was she getting home?

"Hey."

"Oh my God! You scared the crap out of me Marcel!" Nessa yelled.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." he said with that effortless grin that made Nessa's heart melt.

"I hear you need a ride home...I'd be happy to oblige, but..."

Nessa looked over cautiously and said, "What?"

"You have to hang out at my house for a bit because I'm already late for something, so you'd be home eventually just later."

"What am I supposed to do while I wait for you...stalk your house?"

Marcel just laughed but secretly Nessa had already made plans.

"No we'd be hanging out. Sound like something you'd be interested in Ness?"

Nessa's subconscious screamed. Did he just call me by an adorable nickname? I think he did!!!!! OMG progress has been made ladies and gentlemen! That's one small step for Nessa and one giant leap for Nessas everywhere!

As she shook her head clear Marcel said, "So?"

"Absolutely!" Nessa said with a smile.

Marcel reached for her hand and took off running down the hall with Nessa in tow. She had to grip her book bag harder and remember to stay focused even though Marcel was holding her hand...for the first time ever.

When they finally reached the car Marcel insisted on getting the door for Nessa. She grinned and just went along with it. When the door opened Marcel did a mock bow and motioned to the awaiting seat.

Nessa just laughed and walked to the car rolling her eyes. Marcel's lopsided grin did not go unnoticed.

He opened the door and mid-way in the seat, Marcel smacked his head on the car door frame.

Nessa heard a sharp intake of breath before, "Mother of all that is holy that hurts!"

"Ooh...Let me see it Marcel."

When Marcel had finally calmed down he leaned his head over towards Nessa. As she assessed the damage she couldn't help but smell a mixture of Marcel's shampoo and cologne. Before you ask no Nessa is no stalker, but what would you do if a cute boy's head was right underneath your nose?

"Are you okay to drive or should I?"

"You should...I don't want to put us in danger even if there isn't anything wrong."

Nessa nodded and got out. She fixed the seat and revved the engine, pulling out of the school parking lot.

It was too quiet so Nessa reached for the radio and Marcel's hand was already there. When their hands connected Nessa swore that she was shocked by an overwhelming electric current.

Nessa pulled away blushing and focused on the road ahead, noticing Marcel did the same. Radio was overrated anyway.

"Take the next right."

Nessa nodded and did as he said. They pulled into a gated entrance with a call box.

"Hello Mayor Styles' residence. State your name and business."

Marcel leaned across Nessa's lap and said, "Campbell...it's Marcel, let us in old man!"

When she shut the car off Marcel hopped out and ran for her door. Nessa grinned at his constant need for chivalry.

The door opened and Nessa shot out quickly so she wouldn't seem sluggish and when she stood up Nessa realized she was facing Marcel's mouth.

Her eyes lowered to them and looked up hastily. Marcel was observing her with a quizzical look through his glasses. Oh no! Maybe she should start moving so he doesn't think this is weird. Start moving Nessa!

Obviously Nessa was the only one with a stupid crush so she avoided his look and quickly walked, more like sprinted, to the house.

Due to the car distractions Nessa had no time to observe where her infatuation lived, but she had to take a step back to see the whole structure.

"It's called the Mayor's Manor. Being the Mayor's son does have its perks I guess."

With that Nessa followed Marcel into the house praying that her ungraceful-like limbs wouldn't betray her and stay in check as she observed her expensive surroundings.

"You want a tour?"

"Sure." Nice ten points for keeping it cool Nessa, said her subconscious.

After seven master bedrooms, a home theatre, giant kitchen, pool and hot tub, and living room, Nessa and Marcel had reached a basement door.

"This is my favorite part of the house. Come on, I'll show you."

Nessa followed down the narrow hall and stared into a dark room.

"Yes, I can see why someone as angst ridden as you would enjoy a dark basement Marcel."

He shoved Nessa a little and said, "Hush up Ness. Just hang on...I know the switch is close by."

Suddenly the lights switched on to reveal a baby grand piano in the center of the room, a large desk along the far wall covered in paper, and a drum set in the farthest left corner.

"Wow," breathed Nessa.

"I can't actually play either of these instruments, but it's so calming to just sit down here and tamper on the piano a little when I'm stressed."

"What are the drums for then?"

"Those are from Edward's heavy metal stint that didn't last for more than two weeks. He claims the only reason he stopped was because of diagnosed chronic migraines, but between you and me...it's because he heard a recording of himself."

Nessa laughed, walked over and sat on the stool behind the set. Easily she began a simple beat and then came up with her own rhythms.

She only stopped when she heard the quiet melody of Moonlight Sonata to the beat she played.

"Don't stop," said Marcel.

"Sorry, but I thought you said you didn't play."

"I don't this is just part of my tampering. I love this song."

Nessa felt like she could implode, but all she managed to get out was, "Me too."

Notes