PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME: Was he being normal or checking me out?

I don't know how old the both of you are, I guess in high school. I do know this, he was in his way letting you know he has an intrest in you. The just looking at you for a second could mean he is not that out going and could very well mean he is just shy. As for your so called friend, she has very low self-esteam. My advice would be to wait and see if he approaches you not just eye-contact.