"Hey, Nick!" Brian yelled as he opened the door to his house. "I'm back! I rented some movies and I've got some extra cheese pizza!"

"Okay, whatever," Nick replied rather unenthusiastically.

"What are you watching?"

"Nothing, the TV isn't even on."

"You're so distant, what's wrong with you, man?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Why not? C'mon, try me."

"You're too old, I guess I need to talk to Alex, if anyone."

"Whoa! What? Back up! When did I become too old? I know there's five years between us, but that's never caused a problem before. Aren't we best friends? Frick and Frack..."

"Yeah, I know, it's just...there's this girl..."

"Ah! This girl...huh? You've come to the right person. The ladies love me!"

"No, you wouldn't understand. You don't even know her! Where's Alex?"

"Why would you go to AJ for help with girls? You know, he hasn't exactly been getting too many girls himself. When was the last time he even went out with a girl? And when did you start going to him for help and advice?"

"Why is this such a big deal?"

"Because I feel like you're pushing me away. You're my only friend in this whole state that isn't related to me. Howie and AJ are nice but they're not my friends. If we ever get that record deal and we have to start touring, I need you. You're the only I can talk to."

"You're so pathetic. C'mon, man, I'm only 14! What's wrong with you? You're 19 and can't find another friend?...Not that there's anything wrong with our friendship. I like it. We're like brothers. I never had any friends in school until Alex and that doesn't even really count. Alex and Howie used to make fun of me to pass time at auditions. That's how we met...This group wouldn't be the same without you in it."

"Alright, Nick, so about the girl...?"

"It's not a big deal, let's just drop it, ok?"

"Fine..."

The two stood in silence for a few moments lookinbg at each other. Then Brian turned away and sank into a chair.

"Dude! AJ! I am sooooo glad to see you!" Nick exclaimed as soo as he heard the door open. Brian sat stiffly and quietly in his chair, glaring at Nick.

"What? Why?" AJ questioned, as he dragged a stool from the kitchen next to Brian's chair. "Hey, Rok, you feelin' okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Brian replied bitterly.

"Okay, man, tell us if you need anything. Nick, god! Are you going to pee your pants? What's wrong with you?"

"I saw the new girl at school, have you seen her or met her?"

"No, what's she like?"

"Alex, she is the prettiest, most gorgeous, beautiful girl I have ever seen with my two eyes. Prettier than any of those movie stars. She's perfect. She's like an angel from heaven or something. She's a-"

"Okay, Nick! I get your point! Have you talked to her? What's her name? Where's she from?"

"No, Cassandra, Colorado."

"You haven't talked to her? Where'd you see her?"

"I think she's a cheerleader. I was staying after school to get some math help and Brian was supposed to come pick me up. I was waiting out in front for him when cheerleading practice got out, so that's when I saw her. She wasn't in the uniform like the rest of them, but I overheard the conversation between her and the coach. The coach is still going to give her a chance to join the squad, even though it has already started. So, anyways, that's when I saw her. Bri never picked me up, so I walked here and I've been waiting for you to come over."

"Well you have to go talk to her. Just ask her what her name is, where she's from, does she like it here, has she met a lot of friends. You know, just stuff like that, small talk. Then after you do this, come talk to me about her, because you will actually have soemthing to talk about."

"Alright, thanks, man, now I have to get home, big math test tomorrow. I really have to study. Who wants to drive me home?"

"I will," Brian said as he slowly stood up. "I don't quite trust Alex yet as a driver, no offense. When did you get your license? A month ago?"

"No, it was August and now it's October, so a little less than three monts. I'm an experienced driver by now!"

Nick and Brian laughed and made sarcastic remarks at this as they left.