10:00 AM, Scarborough Schoolyard

   "What the hell is that?" asked Jeff, upon seeing a bunch of guys, working with hammers, nails and electric saws. They were building some sort of edifice that was taking up a huge chunk of space in the yard.
   "That," answered Greil, "Is going to be one big-ass half-pipe when it's finished...hopefully within a couple of days."
   "You got any experience with one of those?"
   "Yeah. There's a huge skateboard park in Riverside with a big one, I spent alot of time there over the summer. If you've got the stomach for it, those things can be alot of fun." He turned to Jeff. "Think you wanna take a crack at it?"
   "Of course." Jeff didn't even hesitate. "I don't want to look cowardly..." He decided not to finish that sentence.
   This clued Greil into what his motives might be. "Jeff, by any chance are you doing all this to impress some chick?"
   Jeff looked at him. "I'm doing all this because it's fun. If it impresses my girl, that's a welcome fringe benefit."

3:00 PM, Doctor's Office

   The cast cutter was making a hideous racket. This being the first time Stacy had ever been in a cast, she was a little worried.
   "Are you sure that thing isn't going to cut through me as well?"
   "Just hold still for a minute more." The doctor had finished cutting down the length of her left arm, and was now working on the right. "I promised your mother and brother that I wouldn't make them wait."
   "That's not my brother, that's my boyfriend."
   "Whatever. Brace yourself."
   The saw finally reached the end of her arm, and the cast was pried loose. Her entire upper body felt slightly numb.
   "Try moving your arms up and down," ordered the doctor. "You haven't used these muscles for a week, and you need to get the blood flowing again. I'll go bring in your entourage."
   Stacy rubbed her arms for about a half minute. Finally, her mother and Jeff walked in.
   "So how does it feel?" Her mom was pleased to see her regain her independence.
   "Like fifty tons were just lifted off of my shoulders."
   "I'm going to leave you two alone for a couple of minutes while I go out and settle the bill."
   As soon as she left the room, Stacy motioned Jeff to come over. She was now able to do something she had been longing to do for a week. Put both of her hands on either side of his face. She pulled him close, and for the first time, was able to put her arms around him during one of their long kisses.
   Jeff finally asked her, "So whaddya think? When we're both back at school in a couple of days, and this is made public, am I gonna gain alot of friends, or are you gonna lose alot of 'em?"
   "I think this is going to be the ultimate litmus test," answered Stacy. "It's time to discover who my real friends are."