The rest of the school week went by the same way Monday did.

People enjoyed staring and snickering within ear shot. I was about at the end of my rope by Friday. The whole shocking people thing was fun for a little while, but then it just got annoying. Does it really matter that a jock and a Goth go out? Of course it doesnt matter! Sure, a few people have come around and accepted the fact that Im not going out with the head cheerleader and Claire isnt going out with another freak. People really bug me sometimes. Anyways, Friday was a disaster. Claire and I were sitting out in the courtyard for lunch and up walks Stacey. (She is the girl that has had a major crush on me since eighth grade.) Hello Ayden. She smiled and sat down on the other side of me. Claire just rolled her eyes and continued eating. Hello Stacey. A few friends and I are having a party tomorrow and we were wondering if you would like to come. She put an emphasis on the you which made it clear Claire couldnt go. Sorry, I cant. Oh, right, you have football conditioning. I totally forgot. The party doesnt start until eight though. I have something already planned. I grasped Claires hand. Were going to catch a movie and finish our project up for history. Staceys smile faltered momentarily and turned into a smirk. Why dont you bring her along? She giggled slightly. Claire sat up straight and glared at Stacey. Why? So you can point the freak out in the crowd to all your normal friends? I think Ill pass. It was simply a suggestion. It was my turn to say something. Well I suggest that you go sit with your friends and leave me and my girlfriend alone. Its your loss Ayden. I could really make you happy. Who said that Im not happy now? I kissed Claires cheek and put my arm around her. Claire smiled. Bye, Stacey. I hope your party goes well. Stacey glared her down with fire in her eyes before turning back to me. Goodbye Ayden. If you change your mind, let me know. It will be worth your while. Then she winked at me. I doubt Ill change my mind. Bye Stacey.

She walked off in her black heels, black pleated mini skirt, red shirt, and red hair band. She is too matchy. What? I laughed at Claires comment. She matches her clothes too much. It bothers me. I looked at her in her purple skinny jeans, black top and black shoes with purple accents. And you dont match your clothes perfectly? Shut up. She smiled and punched my arm. I could feel Staceys stare so, to prove my point that I was happy, I kissed Claire. I heard several gasps and murmurs, but it didnt matter. I was happy at that moment and nothing could bring me down. Claire smiled and broke the kiss. We will continue this later. I chuckled. Whatever you say, babe. After school, I took Claire home as I had every other day. When we got to her home she sighed. I would invite you in, but Mom is having a really bad day. Its okay. I have to get home to play with Oscar. Hes been feeling neglected. She laughed and put her hand on my shoulder. Ayden, thank you. For what? Thank you for not caring about what people think. It means a lot more to me than you can ever know. I She stopped and looked down. You what? She took a deep breath and made eye contact with me. Ayden, I I love you. My stomach did a flip and my head swirled. I could feel a smile cross my face and my heart swell with pride. Claire Parker loved me. Me! I tilted my head and leaned closer to her. I love you too. I whispered. Our lips collided and I could swear that there were fireworks. Her hands found their way to my hair and tangled between strands. She sighed as my arms went around her neck. My hands grazed the back of her neck and she pulled back. I need to breathe. She smiled and quickly returned attention to my lips. I had never felt this way with Candice. I couldnt believe I was already in love with a girl I had just met. I didnt care though. All that mattered was that we were together and she loved me as I loved her. My lips trailed down her jaw to her neck and I kissed it lightly. She moaned quietly and pulled back. Ayden, were in your car. Weve only been together for five days. This is too fast. I I hadnt even kissed a guy until I met you. I kissed her lips lightly. Okay. It is a little premature isnt it?

Yea just a little. She sighed and grasped my hands in hers. I do love you though. Im certain of it. Ive never been this happy in my life and I cut her off. Claire, calm down a little. She smiled that award winning smile of hers and kissed my cheek. Ill see you tomorrow, okay? Its a date. She got out of the car and jogged up to her house. I waited until she was inside and the door was closed. I put the car in reverse and pulled out of the drive. I love Claire Parker and that wasnt going to change. **Time Change** Saturday night was a blast. We saw the new movie Six. It was some lame movie about a guitar player, it was a chick flick. I didnt watch it. Claire did. She was enthralled by the actors and the story line. I watched her laugh and gasp in shock at random parts of the movie. The guy died in the end and every girl in the cinema was crying. Claires head lay on my shoulder and she wiped her eyes. On the way home, she kept going on and on about how he should have lived; that the doctor could have retrieved the guitar pick form his throat if he tried hard enough. Yes, the guy died by having his guitar pick shoved down his throat and choking later on when it turned the wrong way. It was lame, I know. However, Claire enjoyed herself so I did too. At Claires house we had a good time. Her mom, Shelby, was awake so it was the first time I ever spoke to her. (We didnt talk long until Claire decided it was too awkward for her and drug me to her bedroom to work on the project.) Shelby had bright blue eyes, just like Claires. Her hair reached just below her shoulders, and if she attempted, she could look rather pretty. Claire said she used to be a fashionista and was prom queen. Then she found drugs and this life. Claire said she was obviously against this lifestyle, but that she would stick by her mom no matter what. We worked on our project for about an hour until we were done. It turned out rather nicely and it was fun to do, surprisingly. We only kissed a few times, but cuddled for around two hours before I had to go. Claire never stopped smiling through our conversations about music, movies, life, and school. We had basically nothing in common, but they say opposites attract, right? I liked country, she liked heavy metal. I liked comedy, she liked romance and horror. I hated SpongeBob, she loved him. I made As and Bs, she never made lower than a 98 average. After we had cuddled and finished the project, I headed home. Nothing could ruin this day for me. I walked through the door and was greeted by barking and a wagging tail. Hello Oskie. Hows my boy? He barked and ran over to his food bowl. Pouring the food out of the bag, I looked up to see a note on the fridge. I assumed it was from Claire from this afternoon when we had stopped by my house before we went to hers to get my jacket I had forgotten. I put the food up in the pantry and walked over to the refrigerator.

Ayden, you really shouldnt have left Claire all by herself. Sure, she locks her doors but you lock yours too and we got in. Dont worry shes got us now. She wont be lonely. Good luck finding her. Me and Dave will take real good care of your girl. Dont even try the police. They wont care about a kidnapped daughter of a convict. Zach. My heart dropped to the bottom of my stomach and I found it increasingly difficult to breath. They, those monsters, had kidnapped my girlfriend because of three hundred dollars that her mom owed them. Where was Claire? Who could help me? Zach was right; the police wouldnt care about this. They had rich kids to go find. I racked my brain for an answer. Then it hit me. Hello? Devin, I need your help. Sure man, whats up? Claire Claire has been kidnapped. What? How do you know that? I cant explain it over the phone. Please just come over. I need your help, man. There was a pause. Alright, Ayden. Well find her. Thanks. I owe you one. Its all good. Ill be there soon. I hung up after Devin. Claire, my Claire, was kidnapped. I took a deep breath and pictured Claire with them and shuddered. I was going to find her and save my girl. I refused to let some junkie ruin my life. Not after I finally had to the strength to move on. So guess what? I am going to find that jerk and Im going to get my Claire back. I will not be defeated.