Mind the Code: The Problem with Revenge

Sweet

After dropping off DJ, I got to my school where my friends were standing by Jennifer's old car. I hesitantly joined, wanting to stay in my car but not wanting to be stuck having to talk to people there.

"Ava, hey." Melanie said, sober and sweet.

"Hey, you look good." I told her, feeling warm and cozy at the familiarity of being around them when they were normal and happy.

Melanie dramatically flipped her hair. "Thanks, girl."

"What'd you do this weekend?" Callie asked, like she usually did.

I suddenly felt embarrassed, and didn't know whether I should tell them or not. I didn't even know if I wanted to. Part of me did and that was unusual. Alex brought my little brother and I dinner. They got along. He tried to kiss me. We cuddled.

"Nothing really. Just hung out with DJ, the usual."

The bell rang, and Alex met me at my locker. "T'sup, Princess?"

"T'sup loser."

He looked confused. "Are you talking to me?"

"Obviously."

He trapped me in against the lockers again, and I crossed my arms, showing him he was failing at intimidating me. "The team won." He suddenly informed me.

"Cool." I acted like I didn't care, because I knew where he was leading it to.

"Mark did really well, apparently."

"You know what DJ said to me Saturday?"

It was adorable how Alex's face turned to interest. "What?"

"He asked if you could come over and play again." I laughed, and Alex suddenly grinned such an unusual grin, and I could tell he was a little flattered.

"Really?" He chuckled casually. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrugged. "I figured you had things to do. I told him I'd ask later."

He affectionately pinched my chin, putting on a show for the hallway. "Is it later, Ava?"

His voice was low, and he was very successful in making it seductive. I laughed to cover it up.

"It's later." I told him.

He released me, straightening out and dropping his arms to his sides. "Great. I'll come over today." He said.

"I don't remember inviting you."

"Um, excuse me Princess, but that sounded like an invite to me."

I rolled my eyes at him, and he wrapped an arm around me as the bell rang and pulled me along to my next class. He had my schedule memorized now.

"I'll be over at five." He said.

"Whatever." I replied, fighting a smile off my face. He stopped and gave me a look as if asking if I was really saying that, then casually continued on.

After picking up DJ we got icecream together and ate it at home. Alex was earlier than he said.

"Where's my icecream?" He asked when suddenly coming through the door. I jumped in surprise.

"How'd you-"

"Really, Princess, you gotta start locking your door."

"You're early."

"Fifteen minutes early is always on time."

"You mean an hour?"

He smiled at me, taking a seat down at our table and DJ calmly greeted him, being very discreet in showing his excitement. "Sup, bud." Alex said, giving my little brother a knucklfe bump.