Time moves by slowly after that day. September ends and so does summer. Casey moans and groans about hating fall and winter outfits, but her mood turns around when we discuss our Halloween plans. She doesn't say it explicitly, but I know her and Carlos are seeing each other more regularly. If I don't see her at lunch, I know she's with him. She probably doesn't want things to be awkward between us because things have died down between me and Dylan, but have only heated up for her and Carlos. Anthony has invited us to his birthday party at Raven's on Friday, which is also his birthday. I'm anxious about seeing Dylan because we haven't really talked a whole lot the past two weeks since we had our conversation about me not wanting a relationship. It's not even that I don't want a relationship. It's leaning more on the side of me recognizing that it's not a good idea right now. At Anthony's party I feel terrible for not getting him a present, but he assures me it's fine. Derrick and Jared are performing, of course. Casey and I sit at the table with the guys, and Carlos immediately sits between me and her. I wonder if she notices that he's wedging himself between us. I mean, I probably did that to her while I was dating Jacob, and now I know how it feels. Dylan doesn't say much. He's sitting next to me and his only words come out when Anthony or Reece talk to him directly. After a while, I miss my bed. I'm not up for partying. That's when Dylan's legs swing toward me and he leans on his elbow to look at me. "Have you finished the project for English?" he asks. A wave of relief washes over me. I really don't want things to be weird between us. "I finished it in class today." He scratches the back of his neck. "I'm barely finishing the book." Our project is on the book Crime and Punishment, which is a fairly large book. "Dylan, the project is due on Monday." "That's why I'm going to work on it on Sunday," he chuckles. Anthony suddenly appears between us and slings his arm around Dylan. "Are you guys having fun?" he asks us. Dylan and I both nod. "I'm losing interest in this place. You guys wanna go catch the rest of the football game?" The football game? "I didn't know you were into football," I tell Anthony. He smirks. "I'm into one of the cheerleaders at the football game." Makes sense. I've never seen Anthony around any other girls. I wonder if he's had a girlfriend before. Carlos drives me and Casey to the game, while Anthony drives Dylan and Reece. Once we make it into the stadium, we find spots in the stands where the student section is. "Fuck, we're actually winning," Anthony says, squinting at the scoreboard. "You want anything from the concession stand?" Dylan asks as he stands next to me on the bleachers. Dylan looks good in his gray shirt and dark jeans under the Friday night lights. His green eyes seem brighter. It takes a moment for me to answer. "Um, no thanks. I'm okay right now." "Guess I should've asked when we passed by it," he scratches the back of his neck. "It's fine," I laugh slightly. Things feel awkward, especially since Dylan is somewhat shy. It's a side of him I've never seen and it's throwing me off. He's always been a confident person, and now he seems nervous. Carlos is explaining something to Casey about the game and I turn to talk to Dylan but a girl makes her way over to us. Her eyes are a crystal clear blue and the blonde hair on her head shines beneath the lights. "Hey, Dylan," she slides between me and him. "I never see you here." Dylan and I aren't together, but I feel particularly irritated by this girl. I have to remind myself that Dylan can talk to whomever he wants. "Football isn't my thing," he says, not looking at her. "Mine either. I just come for the after parties," she says, standing closer to him. "I heard you aren't seeing anyone." "Nope," he says. "But I've got my eye on someone." "Who's that?" My heart is beating quickly in my chest. "You don't know her, Zoey." "Lucky girl. You sure you don't want to explore some more options?" she asks, staring up at him with flirty eyes. I've never mastered that look. Jacob always said I wasn't like other girls and I always hated when he said that. "Not really." It's like a weight has lifted from my chest as soon as he says that. I don't know why I was nervous about him saying something else. Dylan has always been genuine with his feelings. "Well, if you change your mind you know where to find me," she winks at him before walking further down the bleachers. Dylan doesn't say anything as he stands close to me, and this time he doesn't leave room for anyone to come between us. Halloween is underwhelming. Casey and I always spent Halloween at my house and handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters while my parents went to their work parties. Living in an apartment complex takes that part away. I can tell she's somewhat bored as we sit and watch scary movies, but I don't feel like going out with her. I play the I-don't-feel-well card and she leaves earlier than planned. I wonder if this is how she felt when I was with Jacob all the time and I realize I really was a horrible best friend. My aunt watches horror movies with me for the rest of the night. She hasn't asked about Dylan or why I'm spending more time at home rather than out and about. Her date with the genetics professor had gone well and they go out every now and then. I haven't met him yet. I only know his name is James and that he drives a Mercedes. When November arrives, my aunt is freaking out over Thanksgiving. She tries to decide whether she wants to have Thanksgiving here at the apartment with my grandparents or go to their house. Either way, she's planning to bring James over.