~*Alex’s POV*~
I hated crowds so much.
Swarms of guys were rushing to get to their parents; not leaving any open space for me to get to mine. Not that I wanted to, but if they weren’t accounted for I’d have to bring them into a conference, which would be even worse.
Finally, I’d shaken off most of the crowd. I kind of felt bad for leaving while Sam was still freaking out about her plan; but I knew if I stayed, she’d be begging to meet my parents, something I wouldn’t want to burden even my worst enemy with doing.
…Eh, maybe Kale.
Yeah, Kale.
Speaking of the devil.
“Yo, Gray,” Kale shouted, that moment feeling a hand on my shoulder.
I turned around, narrowing my eyes. I sighed, eyeing the girl next to him. Did she ever leave? “Hey, McCann. I thought I sensed failure emitting from this room.”
Kale rolled his eyes, “Have you seen Sam around?” He said, ignoring me.’
“No, what am I? His babysitter?” I said, rolling my eyes, “Now will you let me leave? I have better things to do then talk to you; like kill myself.”
Kale grimaced, pursing his lips, “I was just asking, Gray. And I do have to look over you,” He said, smirking, “Iam your mentor.”
I narrowed my eyes angrily. He’d never let that go.
“Anyway, I have to go—” I began to say, but something caught my attention. Someone behind Kale tapped his shoulder, and I froze in my tracks. I felt my face heat up as she moved out of the way and revealed herself. Oh my god.
“Hi,” She said, her grinning ear to ear, “My name’s Samantha Stone. I think I know you.”
---
~*Sam's POV*~
“Stop touching my hair! My wig’s gonna fall off!” I scolded Violet under my breath, swatting her hands away as we dashed for the auditorium. I just wanted to find Loretta, Michelle, and Alice and get this over with. I mean, family day was only an hour long. How much commotion could there be?
“But it needs to look perfect!” Violet hissed, tweaking my wig.
“Just stop it!” I barked, opening the big doors to the auditorium. I scanned around looking for anyone I knew. Dang it; Loretta, Alice, or Michelle were no where to be found. Or Alex.
“Where do we start looking?” Violet said, obviously thinking the same thing I was.
“You guys go look for the girls,” I said, peering around. It shouldn’t be too hard to find three girls in a sea of guys. I just hoped their boy crazy instincts didn’t kick in, “I’m going to look around for Alex.” I muttered.
Violet sighed, exchanging a quick glance with Will. She sighed, giving me an impatient glare, “Fine. But make it quick.”
I grinned, then turned around, starting for the crowd. I scanned the crowd again, sighing. The whole state of Illinois must’ve been in here. I looked around; any one of these guys could be Alex’s infamous parents. What was up with him lately, anyway? What was so bad about his family? I mean, he obviously wasn’t the type to be family oriented, but jeez.
I sighed, and squeezed through a family who was hugging and crying, and whatnot. I obviously ruined their moment.
“I was just asking, Grey. And I do have to look over you, I am your mentor.”
I grinned; that could only be one person. I turned to my right. Kale, Alex, and Joey were standing over there, fighting. I knew Kale and Alex shouldn’t be in the same room together without supervision. That could only end up being a bloodbath. I guess I’d have to interfere. Like always.
I rushed over, just approaching Kale from behind, when I heard Alex mumble, “Anyway, I have to go—”
“Hi!” I said quickly, tapping Kale’s shoulder and revealing myself, sidestepping him, “I’m Samantha Stone,” I looked up to Kale, grinning, “I think I know you.”
Kale blinked a few times, taking me in. His face bloomed a bright red, “O-Oh,” He said stuttered, “H-Hi, Samantha!”
I felt my mouth drop a bit, my own face blushed. I looked over to Alex, his bright red face standing out against his jet black hair. “Hi,” I said, grinning as angelically as was humanly possible.
Oh, god, I was so going to milk this.
“So, it’s been a couple of months, right?” I said, turning back to Kale, straightening out my glasses. I don’t know why I ever wore these annoying things.
“O-Oh,” Kale said, his face still red as a tomato, “Y-Yeah, it has. Nice to see you again, though.”
“Uh huh, you too!” I grinned ear to ear.
“So,” Alex said, his face having cooled down, “I’m going to leave now.”
My eyes widened. No; he couldn’t leave yet! I needed to talk to him, dammit! “W-Wait!” I blurted out involuntarily, getting an odd look from them both. I quickly covered my mouth with my hand, but I had been too late.
Alex’s mouth turned up slowly into a sly smile. Crap. “Yes?” He slurred, shoving his hands in his pockets, like he was settling in for a long stay.
I furrowed my eyebrows angrily. He was too smug sometimes. “I didn’t get to introduce myself,” I excused, holding my hand out, “I’m Sam’s brother, Samantha.”
Alex blinked a few times, surprised at my boldness. He smirked, “I’m Alex.” He said, accepting my handshake.
“Grey.” Kale said so quickly, it almost sounded like he was scolding him, “So, have you found your parents yet?”
“No.” Alex said, squinting his eyes angrily at Kale. “No, I haven’t.”
“Maybe you should. It’s mandatory, you know.”
No, he couldn’t go to his parents. Not without me doing some sleuthing about them first, that is. “Uh, maybe I can come with you,” I blurted out quickly, Alex’s eyes growing wide at my audacity again. I frowned, blushing, “I mean, maybe I can find my brother, ‘s all.” I mumbled nervously.
Alex frowned, obviously not wanting to bring me along to meet the parents he promoted so poorly, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He mumbled, frowning.
My eyes got wide. “But I—”
“Alexander,” A strong, loud voice called from what felt like only a few feet away. It was an unfamiliar voice, one that sounded mature, raspy and shaped by hatred. Before I looked over my shoulder to him, I saw Alex’s horrified face. That was when I wished I hadn’t looked.
“Mom,” Alex said dryly, as if he’d gone months without water, all the saliva being drained from his mouth, “Dad.”
I turned around behind me to see a tall, gorgeous woman. Not just pretty, but model gorgeous, so much so it was almost surreal. Her eyes were the clearest shade of cerulean; the color of the bluest ocean. Her hair was the night sky on a moonless night, cascading in curly ringlets down her slim back, and she hada china doll’s skin, smooth and creamy like milk, and the color of snow. She looked like every model in the world, but more beautiful. So, basically, she was pretty much every pretty girl in the world, but on steroids.
His father was tall, slim and handsome. His hair was grey and cut remarkably military style, like Kale’s father, but something about this man told me he wasn’t in the service. Kale’s father was a monster, but he had an air of respect; a quality, one I didn’t know quite what, but a quality that made me think he was an honorable man. Alex’s father on the other hand, simply looked bitter and mean. His eyes were pitch black and filled with hatred, and bellow them were tired bags, a symbol of many sleepless nights. His face immediately filled with anger as his eyes sat on Alex, and I could see his mouth turn into a scowl. “Hello, boy.” He said tartly, as if it stung to say.
Alex’s hands clenched at his sides, “It’s nice to see you.” He said, his what was usually calm, cool and collected voice, quivering with what seemed like fear and apprehensiveness.
“I wish I could say the same.” He said tartly, his raspy, low voice only emphasizing the hatred in his tone.
I felt my mouth drop, and I saw Kale’s too. We were all astounded by the boldness and anger that Alex’s father possessed, but it looked like second nature to Alex.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” Alex said, his face solemn and pale; paler then usual. He looked over to his mom, his eyes widening as if he expected more from his mother, “Hi, mom.”
His mother’s beautiful blue orbs looked neutral as she looked into her own son’s eyes, the ones that so greatly resembled her own, “Hello, son.” She said sharply, her voice smooth like velvet, but had a twang of hatred in it.
Alex shifted his eyes to me, as if to say ‘Told you so.’ I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t. I looked away.
“Are you misbehaving in school again, Alexander?” His mother addressed, pursing her glossed lips.
His father scoffed like it was a joke, “Of course he is, Janese. It’s Alexander, he’s never gotten a good grade in his life, or stopped misbehaving.” He said harshly, staring maliciously into Alex’s eyes, “He’s never done any good.”
That seemed to hit Alex hard. He flinched, like he’d been punched in the gut, “I-I’m sorry, dad.”
“It’s ‘Father’ to you, boy.” His dad said malevolently, his eyes flashing with hatred.
What a toxic relationship they had. Alex ran a hand through his hair, not sure what to say, so I spoke for him. I reached my hand out genially, acting like I could tolerate this man, when the fact was I wanted to kick him in the balls.
“Hello, Mr. Grey.” I said, my grin stretching wide, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Alex’s eyes shot wide open, and he tried to stop me from saying anything by putting a hand on my shoulder, “Sam-Samantha, uh—”
“Hello,” Mr. Grey said hesitantly, taking my hand in his iron grip, “Are you Alex’s girlfriend, or something?” He scoffed.
“No!” Kale and Alex snapped in unison.
Mr. Grey smirked, “Good.” He said, “She seems like a smart girl. Wouldn’t want another young mind being brought down by my idiot son.”
Alex bit his lip, “Sorry, dad.” He mumbled. What? Why the hell was he taking this sitting down? His dad was an idiot and just plain evil! Why wasn’t he screaming like I thought he’d be?
“Excuse me, sir,” I said firmly, scowling. Alex gave me a look basically screaming, “Don’t go there,” but it was too late. Oh, hell yes I was gonna go there. “Alex is not an idiot.”
Mr. Grey smiled slyly, like he was amused. I wanted to slap him. Would that be considered harassment? I’m pretty sure it was, but I really didn’t care at this point. “I think I know my own son.”
“I don’t think you do,” I said tartly, crossing my arms superiorly, tilting my chin in the air proudly.
“Um, ignore her.” Alex said, touching his father on the arm.
Mr. Grey swatted Alex’s hand away, “Don’t touch me.” He seethed, his eyes flaring with hatred.
“Don’t touch him.” I growled, furrowing my eyebrows.
“Don’t speak to my husband that way,” Mrs. Grey, or Janese, barked at me. At this point, Alex had pretty much given up trying to make amends.
“Don’t let him speak to your son that way! Don’t you care? You’re horrible parents!” I spat, finally loosing my temper, a few people starting to peer over their shoulders at us. I didn’t care. I was furious.
“Sam,” Alex hissed, whispering in my ear, “That’s enough. Stop yelling at my parents,” He demanded, grabbing me by the arm.
“C-Calm down,” Kale agreed. At this point, the outstandingly quiet Joey was huddling in fear behind her big brother.
“No, I will not.” I said firmly, crossing my arms and tapping my foot, “Well? Aren’t you going to apologize?”
Mr. Grey’s eyes were as wide as golf balls, “Excuse me?” He said, his low and raspy voice turning demonic, “You think I should apologize? If anything, he’s the one who should apologize for what he’s done to this family.”
Excuse me? I looked over to Alex, his face as scared and shaken up as as Joey’s. I’d never seen him like this.
“That’s right,” Mr. Grey added, seeing the confusion written all over my face, “Just ask him about it. He’s damaged this family forever, haven’t you boy?”
Alex flinched, his whole body shaking like a leaf.
“You murderer.”
That was when everything got silent.
Seconds turned into moments, and the moments became unbearable. I turned to Alex, who’s eyes were unusually dark. Murderer? No way; Alex was a lot of things, but a murderer wasn’t one of them.
“I’m sorry, but we have to leave now.” Mr. Grey said, narrowing his eyes angrily. He slung his arm through his wife’s, and they both stared at Alex like he was a total stranger.
Alex mustered up the courage to say something, “Goodbye, then.” He said quietly, his voice shaky, “Nice seeing you guys.”
“Goodbye, Alexander.” Mrs. Grey said, apathy the only thing displayed in her eyes. No affection, no warmth, just total and utter indifference.
Mr. Grey stared at his son like he was his mortal enemy, “Goodbye, boy. Have a nice life.” And then, with a turn of a heel, and a rustle of hair, they were gone, and finally, they were just another face in the crowd.
Kale turned around, his eyes wide as they stared upon Alex’s completely ghostlike face, “Grey.” He said dryly, “What was that all about?”
Alex clenched his fists, and turned on his heel, about to disappear into the crowd. “You know, McCann,” He said, “You’re not the only ones with family problems.” And then, just like that, he was gone into the crowd.
---
Family day was over.
Apparently, all you had to do was sign your family in, and that was barely it. Violet was a bit depressed she didn’t get to use her plan to the fullest.
“See you guys later.” I said, embracing Will, Violet, and my friends in a big bear hug, as they waited outside the taxi that’d take them back to the airport, whisking them away from me. Rain pelted our heads above, only adding onto the depressing atmosphere that surrounded us.
“Love you, Sammy,” Violet said, squeezing me tightly. Slowly, we separated, and everyone filed into the black taxi, driving away as I waved goodbye to them. I sighed and hung my hoodie over my head. I changed out of my stupid girl clothes and put on converse, jeans, a t-shirt and jacket.
Today was terrible. Alex had run off god knows where…again. I was sure he was fine, though, just shaken up. But still, I couldn’t shake off what his dad had said. Murderer? Alex was not a murder, I could tell. He had obviously done a lot of bad things, but murder—no. Murder was not one of them.
Then, as if from no where, out into the distance sitting on a bench, I saw a figure. It could be only one person, I thought, as I walked over. “A-Alex?” I said as I approached him.
He spun around, his whole body drenched with rain, “O-Oh,” He said, his face getting red, “Sam…what are you doing here?”
“What about you?” I mumbled, sitting down next to him.
He frowned, “…Touché.”
I chuckled, tapping my feet in the puddles the formed on the ground, “Um…I’m sorry about your parents.”
“No worries,” Alex responded immediately, “I’m way used to it.”
I furrowed my brows, “Was he always that mean?”
Alex pondered for a moment, twiddling with his thumbs idly. “No.” He said hoarsely.
I would’ve asked what made him like that, but seeing the pain in Alex’s eyes, I decided it could wait. It was odd enough to see him so quiet and so hurt.
“Um, and when he called you a…” I could barely form the word.
“Murderer?” He spat, venom in his voice, like it was sandpaper against his tongue, which it probably was.
“Yeah,” I mumbled, molding my hands together nervously, wishing I hadn’t asked in the first place.
“It’s a really long story.”
“You don’t have to tell me,” I said quietly, “I know you don’t want to talk about.”
Alex turned to me, his eyes wide and dull, in stead of their normal bright blue. “Thanks,” He said, genuine gratitude in his voice.
I smiled ear to ear, “No problemo.” I said, “And besides, who needs him? You don’t need that jerk in your life bringing you down.” I said, punching him playfully on his arm.
Alex’s smile dissolved and he looked back down at his feet, “Easier said then done.” He mumbled under his breath.
I opened up my mouth to say something, but only air came out. A huge twang of thunder emanated from the sky, but neither of us were scared; we’d had more then enough of that today. I glanced back at Alex, and sat in shock as I saw a fat droplet of water slide down his cheek; but it wasn’t rain.
In stead of saying something, I simply just watched the sky like Alex was doing. The rain pelted our faces, but I didn’t mind. And just like that we stayed until the clouds retreated and our hearts felt whole again.