Lexi
[Chapter 8: No or Yes Catfight?]
Two days have passed after Shane told me about his plans - 'something important'. Let me correct that, because it was not just 'something important' but rather a 'something very important', well for me apparently.
Basically, Shane moved in the Philippines along with his father ever since his parents separated. I thought and for all I know Shane will be living with his mom after going back here in Cali, but being the unfortunate person I am, he would be flying to Miami for school. When? Well, after two days! I know, I didn't expect that.
While not being favored in school, I feel so much loved when I am with Shane but all the good things come to an end, we're not even going to college yet and then here he is, walking out my life, again.
I would definitely do anything for my 'adopted brother' to stay, but as I told my sister Ems, 'You can't do anything, it's his family, and I mean, real family here Lex.'
Yeah, the soap opera drama, that is my life - Lexi the Unfortunate or Lexi the Unlucky?
Emery sped down the stairway, looking exhausted early in the morning. She might have overslept. And you know what? I am jealous I can't even take five minutes with my eyes shut! Urgh, Why Shane? Why?
I paced to the hallway of our home and stood in front of the mirror - my mom wants to look good every time she walks out that front door - so, who wouldn't right?
Cleared my thoughts and exhaled as Emery gave me the keys of our Volvo.
The ride to school was quiet, Emery was reading an article for her first class while Liam was spread out in the backseat - snoring.
Annoyed by the 'classiest' background music ever, I reached for the radio to turn it off and Emery made this un-lady irked sound.
"Oops," I grinned while she just looked at me in her irritated expression. "I prefer having no music at the moment, go on with your reading.. In fact, you could better understand that paper without these sounds disturbing you, right?" as I picked myself back up against Ems annoyed face and signaled the car to turn left down the block. "You don't want any music huh? Wow, you really seem are in a bad mood." Emery always thought of me as the music lover older sister haha. Not now maybe, I'm still saddened by Shane's news. Emery, however, slid the article in her notebook and placed it in her school bag. "You won't finish the whole reading material?" I asked and acted to turn the radio on, worried that she might need the music back. "Nah, I'm feeling dizzy reading while inside the car anyway." She gazed out the window as I drove to school. Speaking of, this day was quite cloudy and the wind blows a cool breeze which is the most preferable weather for me.
Redfield came to view and as I parked my wheels, I saw a glimpse of Grace already waiting on one of the pews beside the school. That's a nice start.
We went off and paced towards the building, "Bye Lex, Bye Liam! See you guys after class" I nodded and Emery strode to the hallway.
Liam tapped me goodbye and head to his class as well, I shifted my direction to Grace.
"Hey! How's your English project going on?" I asked Grace. I haven't met her once Mrs. Guffrey gave us the task because she then became busy with Dior and I'm busy with Shelby and my poetry.
I was glad that Shelby told me last Tuesday that she will try to send me half of the said assignment but to my luck, she didn't.
I'll wait for her inputs till Monday and if Monday comes and she doesn't, then what else can I do? I'll do it myself. And let her do most of the presentation. Sounds like a plan.
Grace beamed and interlocked our arms together, "We are so done!" wow that was quick! How did they finish without even a small catfight?
"Really?! That's great, so Dior did it with you?" we were skipping to our lockers, pushing pass a huge crowd on the corridors.
"Yeah, she was like, 'I don't like what you did, it's boring'
'here, insert this'
'No way I'll present that thing'
'ew don't you have taste' blah blah blah"
she mimicks Diors fake high-pitched voice.
I laughed at her exaggerating impersonation, it was hilarious! Dior never had a squeaky high-pitched voice, which would be Shelby and Nicole's. We reached our lockers and our giggles stopped. I entered my code and got the things I needed for the first half of the day.
Grace faced me as she slams her locker shut, "Enough about me, how's Shelby?" I don't want to talk about it. I know she was referring to our partner power.
I gave her a face which clearly means 'no one knows' "She is out playing barbie dolls and cooks them fake chicken while I..." I pointed "was left to do all her work shares for the poetry."
Grace scoffed, "Well, well, who does she thinks she is?!" I know right!
"Tell me about it" We started to march to our Spanish class but I was dumbfounded when I turned and saw Zach with a concerned expression plastered on his face, just a few feet away from us.
I averted my gaze and continued to walk with Grace who remained ignorant of Zach's presence. I wonder what's going on in his mind though; he has to be the jocky-funny guy and not that serious and concerned Zach.
Lunch came like a flash of light, as Grace and I went our way to the cafeteria, a Freshman boy with this very thick glasses - nerdy glasses in fact - was being shoved around by a group of seniors, Jake being the boss that he is, picked up the little boy by the collar and calmly spoke "Just fifty bucks dude and you're good to go"
I shook my head and grabbed Grace's wrist to Jake's way, "What are you doing?" Grace whispered clueless to my ears.
Oh right, she doesn't know that Jake and I are now closer because of the parties we have gone to and the mutual relationship of our families; And maybe I can also give him commands, Why? Because I feel it in my guts that Jake 'the Adonis' Wilder has this feels over my lovely sister and all I got to do is use it as an advantage! Yeah, genious!
"Jake" I interrupted his dirty transaction calmly as I can be.
All the jocks faced me, some sneered and some glared.
Jake looked at me confused but with a small smirked on his face.
"What are you doing? Again?" I asked in a rhetorical manner as I remind him about his bullying habit.
Jake released the youngster who was trembling in fear.
"Lexi. We're just teaching this freshie a lesson."
"And what lesson is that? By the looks of it," I thought for a while, "You're harassing this young boy"
"I am not. He spilled his soda on my shirt, he has to pay. Easy as that!" I checked his white shirt dripping with Pepsi and watched the reaction of his buddies, I faced down feeling ashamed of why do I need to play hero?
But thoughts flashed to my little head and I looked up back at Jake, But that's just a shirt, and last time I remembered, Emery spilled lemonade on your expensive suit. Yeah, nice backup, I inwardly gave myself a high five.
His smile faded and chuckled, "I can't act crazy in a formal celebration, can I?"
"So you thought what I was thinking huh?" I smiled and teased him. He stepped approaching me and stopped between Grace and I. Jake looked down at me, literally, and chuckled, "alright, alright." and he directed us to the lunch buffet as he placed his arms on our shoulders. Grace was amused when Jake looked back and commanded his friends, "Let's just do this some other time, you're one lucky kid."
The freshman stumbled and half ran to wherever he is going.
"What's on the menu today?" Jake added looking back and forth from me to Grace.
"AHHHHH" a squeaky voice boomed which led the whole cafeteria in silence.
All eyes were suddenly on us. I would love this but in a different scenario.
Now you might be thinking that I cried on the top of my lungs because of some liquid having been spilled on my newly bought H&M shirt or that I got a bug on my food and nearly ate it.
But the answer to that is, no.
I was not the one to scream for such naivety.
But Shelby does.
She rambled about how much that shirt cost and its brand new...whatever.
"..and please watch where you're going, freak!" She was infuriated, her blue colored shirt turned red from the red sauce that was trailing down smudging her jeans at the same time.
"I'm so sorry" I interjected.
While I was waiting in line for our lunch, a lower classman student tripped on my left foot, I promise it was unexpected!
I didn't mean to hurt anyone but Shelby. Uh- scratch that. Just forget it.
The young one stumbled and stained Shelby's clothes, as she was about to get in line for the food buffet as well. Now, here is all the drama of high school life.
Shelby was confused for a moment, glared and pointed directly to me, "You planned this didn't you?"
I hope so, but if I plan on anything to drag you down then it will be more painful and unhurried, well, a lot more mature too, "No!" I snapped and faced the girl, "I'm so sorry."
I lend her my hand and helped her stand but she slipped and fell in her ass again. Oops.
Shelby scoffed, "Well, well, can't you do anything right?"
Ouch, am I like a walking disaster or what?
I ignored her bitchy words as I helped the young girl back up, She might not be that satisfied and opened her dirty mouth again, "No wonder Zach left you,.." she evilly grinned. "Oh, did I hit a nerve?"
I was about to slap her damn face and show her what I can do to her if she continued degrading me.
"Stop it Shelby, everyone's looking." A voice broke the tension between us.
"Let them be, Zach." Shelby retorted without looking away from me. Why would she want to break into me?! Have I did something wrong? Well as far as I am concerned, she has never played a role in my life. Except for the poetry project, but in that case, then she is the one who's 'something wrong' obviously. But the sauce was unintentional! Why would she bring up something too random and too personal with her shirt gotten spilled by a temporary sauce!
"I said stop it. Just go." Zach said quite harshly as he held Shelby's arm.
"Look at what she did to my shirt" I didn't do anything, I swear. I would rather want her prom dress to be ripped into pieces but this shirt stays the same, really.
"Lexi didn't mean it and she didn't even spill it on you in the first place. Now cut this shit out and just go." Zach defended me. Woah, Zach really just defended me! That was...just...wow!
Shelby stared at me and threatened, "Next time no one will look after you and no one will care" She just didn't, I don't care if that's a threat or a warning but no one dares say that to me, I am not a war freak but definitely not a loser. I got a reputation to hold and I am my own boss. No one, neither Shelby can threaten me.
I got to say something but she turned around and beelined towards the cafeteria doors.
The room was now full of murmurs, "Thanks Zach."
I will break anytime soon but thanks to Zach, Shelby left me in one piece. If he isn't here what would've happened, will I claw Shelby's face now or just cry with everybody looking?
"Are you okay?" Zach asked in sincerity, I can see his concern through his beautiful dark orbs. I gave him a small smile, "Yes"
I turned back to our table as Grace was seated waiting for me after watching the whole nearly catfight reality show.
Zach followed quietly and the moment was overly awkward as the students held their gaze on me. Geez, I can't believe what just happen though. What did Shelby even said a while ago? It was something about Zach. What? Oh no. Omg. My thoughts are now messed up and I can no longer think straight. But wait, someone tapped my shoulder; I looked back, "Huh? Sorry what did you say?"
"Uh, I mean, Earlier," Zach repeated, and I'm not too sure how many times have he repeated it while my thoughts were whirling of what just happened. "Um, sorry I didn't hear it. What is it earlier?" Omg. Don't ask me about what Shelby stated about you and me. Please. Please. As we get closer to the table he repeated himself, "well, I kind of uh, heard your conversation with Grace, I'm happy to help you."
"Grace? Conversation? I don't get it sorry."
"I heard Shelby is kind of a 'does-nothing' as a poetry project partner." He said, emphasizing the 'does-nothing' with a faint grin.
"Wha- oh! That." Exhaled. It was the poetry! Thank goodness. Wait, Zach had eavesdrop that before the Spanish class? Pretty cool that he, still, is concerned.
"I can help. Wanna do it after class?"
"Uhm,.." I don't know if I can work with him but I also wanted to hang out so that we could probably talk it out, besides, we haven't spoken with each other since forever, and I wanna know why. And I obviously need someone's assistance too. So, I just nodded okay.
"Cool, I'll wait for you in front of school" His hand brushed mine as he turn to walk away. I smiled to myself like stupid crazy. Oh how I miss that guy, how I miss Zach Richards!
I sat down beside Grace still wearing the smile on my face.
"Hey!" Grace nudged me, "Stop that" I turned to her and saw we were alone on the table. "Where's Jake?" "He left with his pals. But he wanted me to tell you that he'll talk to Shelby about this. You're pretty having your spotlight girl! You gotta tell me something 'bout this"
I took a sip on her iced tea and smiled, "Jake and I are hanging out pretty frequent and it's because of my dad. Zach? Shelby? I have no idea, Grace." The bell rang indicating the end of our lunch break. "Why does time flies so fast." I frowned finally hearing my stomach grumble. "Yikes Lex, you didn't take your lunch!" "Yeah. Too bad" Sigh. "Let's go head to our next class; I can make it 'til the end of the subject to get some sandwich."
History and Chemistry was a busy subject today apparently, we did a bunch of activities in a single subject, how was that even possible; and I wasn't able to rush down the cafeteria for a Snickers bar at least. Too unfortunate. How can I participate in gym class with an empty stomach. Urgh.
I changed in my P.E. uniform and headed for the covered court. I spotted Grace warming up near the bleachers and I ran to her, "Grace!" she waved and signaled me a "faster" hand gesture since I'm kind of late for the attendance call.
Before I reach Grace, "Lexi!" A familiar voice approaching. "Jake! You left without a word."
"Sorry, I asked my team for a short meeting. Anyway, I spoke with Shelby and told her to stop messing around with you. So, you don't have to worry. Here" He handed me a chocolate bar and a milk shake. "What's this?"
"You didn't take your lunch right? You need that since we'll shoot some baskets today." Basketball?! Oh no. "Thanks Jake! Have you seen Emery during lunch? I haven't seen her in the cafeteria." "Yep! We had lunch together after my team's meeting. She was the one who bought that by the way, and asked me to hand it to you. Hey gotta go and head to my team, Lex." I nodded and searched for my phone to send a 'thank you' message to Emery.
- - -
I packed all my stuffs and readied myself to go home. After the cafeteria incident Shelby was nowhere to be found. Well, that's better.
Gym was pretty fun today, we were assembled into two groups and played basketball. There's no athlete in me and I'm just not a sporty type of girl and I hate basketball. I love to watch ball games but I hate it when I'm the one inside the court to get the ball and shoot it.
Mr. Callaghan, our gym facilitator, was very kind though, he exempted me from the game because the last time we played it,... you don't wanna know and I don't wanna remember.
An hour of physical exhaustion flew by so fast and I'm here in the dressing room waiting for Grace to finish her routine.
Later, Zach and I will be doing the English poetry making project, I hope it would come out as I want it to be. Zach is a very humorous person and a companion that will make everything comfortable for you but I feel super awkward now whenever I'm close to him.
My thoughts was interrupted by my bff, "Hey, let's go" while nudging me.
"Oh, sure" we paced to the hallways which were now emptied 'cause class hours were done 30 minutes ago.
"Grace, do you think Zach and I could really finish and do the poem?" I asked, fidgety on what will happen this afternoon.
"Of course, Lexi! Zach is the good boy type when it comes to finishing homework, I bet you'll be up in no time." She examined me and continued, "loosen up Lexi, you're overthinking again, just don't overthink and enjoy the moment."
Yeah, don't overthink and enjoy the moment, I repeated in my head.
I nodded as we exit the building. The coast was clear but a very familiar white Lexus car was laying in the parking lot.
Why is Jackson here? I mean, Jax. Is he the one to pick Julia up?
By just the thought of it, Jax stepped out the driver's seat and looked in my direction. He raised his eyebrow with a smile to greet me. I left Grace in the entrance and walked closer towards him and waved, having my uncontrollable obviousness once and for all. "Hey Jax" He was pretty handsome for a young boy, and his brown hair was gelled upwards giving the attention to his baby blue eyes.
"I was wondering if you saw Julia? I was waiting long enough now." Yeah, definitely picking up Julia.
"Sorry, I didn't bump into her today, have you tried calling her phone or message her?"
"She isn't answering my calls, maybe she's with your sister?" he was somehow irritated of the fact that Julia was making him wait. How cute. Wait, I take that back, he's a kid and there's this age rule.
"I don't really know where Ems is right now, I got gym class today and she goes home earlier so, I don't really know Jax. Do you want me to help you look for her? My cousin is still in school maybe they could help."
I saw a flash of hope in his eyes which made me smiled widely. "I could use some help, thank you Alexis." He nodded. "Where do we start?" Jax added.
"Wait Lexi," Grace yelled from a far, "I have to go now, my mom will be home early for a business dinner."
"Yeah sure" I waved bye and blown her a kiss, "You take care and drive safely Grace."
I faced Jax and gestured him to follow me, we walked to the lobby again and looked for Liam in the sports hall.
Lucky me, he was still there with his friends and team mates. "Liam," I called him.
Jax and I stopped near the benches where the cheerleaders sat resting for another set of choreography.
My cousin faced my way and jogged, "Why are you here? Who's he?" not knowing Jackson.
"By coincidence did you saw Emery or Julia? Julia Tres? Her brother is looking for her." Liam thought for a moment and faced Jax.
"So, this is Jackson Tres?"Liam mumbled not answering any of my questions.
"Yes he is, where's Emery? And did you-" Jax spoke up disrupting me. "Hey man, Did you happen to see my sister?"
"Yes I did," Liam turned to me and added, "Emery is out with Jake, as you see the coach is pissed and I am dead tired with 100 laps of push-ups and sit-ups." He turned to Jax again, "by the way, she's with Courtney and Jasper in the library the last time I saw her."
Jax nodded in understanding, "Thanks" and turn to leave.
"Thanks Li!" I half ran to catch up with Jax. My, his legs are no joke. I was sprinting while he is just walking fast.
Jax held the gym door open for me to pass, "Where's the library?" what a gentleman.
"This way, Let's go" I grabbed his wrist and walk us to the first floor library just beside the secretary's office.
When we're nearing the corridors leading to the books, Julia came up her hair was a mess and she was running our way. "What the hell happened to you?" I shrieked.
She stopped in her tracks and gave us a shy smile, "I fell asleep, sorry." I was baffled, Jax and I are worried sick on where Julia has been or if she was hurt, then all she say is 'she fell asleep?!' that was comforting but Jax was freaking worried for a sleeping girl in the library.
There was no time for us to get pissed, Jax just released a huff of air he held, "Let's go home" he said in his calmest voice. I looked at him surprised that he was so collected after everything.
Julia agreed and walked passed us.
"You can drop your hands now" Jax muttered.
"Oh!" I released his wrist and followed Julia as I am blushing quite crazily. I completely forgot about that.. The warmth of his hand was now out of my reach, making me feel cold all of a sudden.
We went out the school, "There you are!"
Man! I forgot, Zach and I will go home together. "Sorry I'm late." Zach gazed Jax from head to toe looking for flaw maybe, but I tell you Jax is perfect, if there is such thing as perfect, if not then he is nearly perfect.
"Zach this is Julia and Jackson, my friends" I said.
Zach returned his eyes on me, shaking his head in understanding, "Yeah, I know them"
"So le-"
Jax interjected, "I'll give you a ride"
This is not a movie where two guys try to get the girl they liked and stuff but tell me if I'm wrong,... I just feel like it, I mean I feel being I don't know, fought for.
"I have a car, I can take Lexi home," he lowly chuckled then added, "Actually, we'll be doing poetry together so, I'll take her home." Zach explained not getting his gaze away from me, it was kind of awkward but if you're a bystander, it's kind of sweet or cute.
Jax need nothing to say, he just looked at me for my opinion. I nodded my head and whispered, "I'm fine, he'll drive me home."
"Alright, we'll go then, see you around."
Julia waved at me "Bye, Lexi!" both Tres' stepped in the Lexus and sped off like a real race.
Zach cleared his throat, "Might want to go home now?"
"Uh, Yes" I stuttered.
Zach chuckled then again and treaded to a blue 2014 Mercedes benz s-class coupe. "Is this your car?" I was astounded, I mean Zach is rich and everything but for all I know, he owns a nissan skyline for the love of fast and the furious.
"Yes, I got it this summer, You like it?" He raised his eyebrows and opened the passenger side.
"I love it!" I giggled stepping in the luxurious car and smiled at the interior design, it was way cool!
"I know you'll do." Zach muffled from outside and shut the door, jogging to the other side.
Zach Richards revved the engine and drove away from Redfield High.
¨¨¨
A/N: I hope you guys liked the chapter!