Moved

Chapter 3

The calendar reads January 15. It's Alex's birthday,a Thursday. Where has the time gone? One day I was helping bring in boxes to Alex's new house, the next I'm dreading going to school.

It's been a lonely three weeks. True to my words as soon as Alex left so did 'our' friends. Only one stuck around and I mostly think it's because he feels sorry for me.
I drag myself out of bed and into the shower. The warm water relaxes me. I think about what to get Alex for her birthday, I've put off shopping until literally the last minute. But I get paid today, that mean I have a decent amount of money to spend on her.
I dress quickly and head down the hall to the kitchen. I dial Alex's number knowing she won't pick up; her new school starts an hour later than mine meaning she gets another hour of sleep.
"Happy birthday Alex! Have an amazing day, I'll see you Saturday for your birthday dinner!"

"Was that Alex?" My mother says sliding a cup of coffee towards me. "I wanted to wish her a happy birthday."

"No, it was her voicemail. She's not going to be up at 6 when she goes into school at 8:30." I say taking a sip of the coffee.
"Oh that's right. How does she like the new school?" Mom places a plate with a scrambled eggs and cheese next to me.
"She actually loves it. That traitor." I say shoving a forkful of eggs into my mouth. My mother laughs running a hand through my hair.
"I'm going to wake up your brother, then head off to work. Make sure you boys get to school on time." My mom says, smiling at me.
"Of course."

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After dropping my brother off at the middle school I walk to the high school, slowly. I'm way to early, barely 7:10. Sucks that middle school kids go in thirty minutes earlier.

I reach the high school and head towards the art classrooms. It's been the place I've been hiding at in the mornings. It's usually empty except for the occasional art student looking for their teacher.
Today though there's a guy sitting in the spot I usually sit. Getting closer I notice it's the guy whose taken pity on me. Sean or something like that.
I get closer and Sean looks up and takes his headphones out. "Hey man, I didn't know if you were going to be here or not. Figured you were though."

I take a deep breath, "Look man, you don't have to keep hanging out with me. I don't need the pity."
Sean looks at me with a confused face before bursting out in laughter. "Dude I'm not pitying you! God, I actually like your company okay? Now sit down and listen to this song."
I stare at him in shock for a good minute before he gives me a glare and grabs my jacket, pulling me down next to him. I guess I've managed to make a friend.
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Sean and I are walking home together when my phone rings. Alex. I quickly pull my phone out of pocket and hit accept.
"Alex hey!"
"Hey! I got your message this morning but I was running late to school and I couldn't call back. Sorry," Alex says over what sounds like yelling.
"It's okay. Where are you anyways?" I ask curious about what's she's up to.
"Oh nothing just Hannah and Ben taking me to eat for my birthday." Alex practically shouts.
"Oh okay, be careful ok," I say ignoring the smirk on Sean's face. Idiot.
"So protective, I will okay. Bye!" Alex laughs out before hanging up.

"Dude -" Sean starts
"Say something and you'll regret it," I bite out.
Sean laughs and shakes his head. I push him off the curb laughing myself.
***********************************

Saturday night rolls around and I find myself getting ready for Alex's birthday dinner. She's trying out this new sushi place, which is totally different for her. She usually sticks to Olive Garden or Red lobster.

I grab my mom's keys and head into the living room. Mom and my brother are on the couch, some animated movie playing on tv. "I'm leaving now Mom."
"Alright, just remember you only have your permit. Be back by ten." My mom says looking up.
"Yea, that means no kissing Alex," my brother says making kissing faces. For thirteen the little punk can be really immature.
Yet I still feel my cheeks burn with the look my mother gives me. "Shut up Chris," I mumble.
"Be nice," my mother says.
I roll my eyes and press a kiss to her forehead.

The restaurant is a lot fancier than the pictures on the Internet. I feel extremely underdressed in ripped jeans and converse. I zip up my leather jacket and hope for the best.
"Alex!" I call, hoping the redhead in front of me is my Alex.
"Cam!" Alex turns around, a smile on her face. She looks so different in a dress and heels, her hair pulled up and curled. I'm used to jeans and a sweater with messy hair Alex. What is this?
"Your under dressed," Alex frowns pulling me into a hug.
"Sorry, your invite didn't say formal," I joke.
"You're funny, come on everyone's already seated," Alex says pulling me towards the back of the restaurant. She can barely contain her excitement.
"Oh this is yours," I say handing over the gift bag in my hand to Alex.
"Aw, thanks," Alex says and places a light kiss on my cheek.
I feel myself turn red for the second time. I look over to the other people at the table and wish for the third time that night that I had at least worn black jeans. Everyone is dressed up; the girls in dresses and the three guys in dress shirts and pants.
It's then that I realize that I probably won't have enough to pay for a drink let alone a meal here.
Alex must notice discomfort because she grabs my arm and leads me to a seat next to her, " No worries, my mom gave me her card I'm paying for everyone."
"You don't have to do that Alex -" I begin.
"No buts Cam," Alex says sternly before introducing me to her new friends.

I have to watch Alex flirt with one of the guys at the table. A football player, at least that's what the girl on my right had said. My jealousy flares, knowing that it should be with my arm flung around her shoulders. I'm also angry at myself for never telling Alex how I feel.

She's in her element though, Alex had always been the talker while I stayed back and listened. It's no different here with her bouncing between conversations, dumping more rice and sushi onto my plate. I can't help but smile at her even as I spend half the night tucked in a corner.
I spend ten more minutes watching the guy play with her hair, and Alex feeding him a sushi roll, before I stand up and make my way out of the restaurant.
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{ A/N. Wow people read this. Thanks so much! I felt the need for character development in this chapter :) }