Secret Lesson

Chapter 6: Midday Jealousy

Alex's POV

"Theo..." I begin.

"Hm?"

"If I say it's to give us something to remember tonight by...would you let me kiss you?"

"Sorry. But I can't...indulge that particular urge of yours. You're Andrew's girlfriend after all."

You're nuts, you've completely lost it, Alexis Browne! Why the hell would you...with Theo Russell...! A few days pass after my 'date' with Theo at the amusement park, but I still can't make heads or tails of how I feel... I was swept up in the mood back then. Why else would I do that? How can I face Andrew, ashamed of myself? If it was just some random person, I would just run away. But because I boasted to the chancellor that I'd help them, running away from the Russell brothers is not an option.

"Okay...I can't make things any more complicated than they already are. Am I supposed to meet Jay today?" Let's get in, do his psych consult, and get out. I won't leave room for a private talk! I brace myself and hurry towards the appointed location. Oof!

"Ow! You wanna open your eyes maybe?" A familiar voice asked sternly.

"I'm so sor...Eliza?"

"Oh snap, and who might this be? What's up, Alex! How've you been?" Of all the people to meet on this sprawling campus... What should I say to her...

"Mind your own business. Since when do we stop and exchange pleasantries." I asked... well, yelled at her.

"Looks like someone's gotten spunky in the time we haven't seen each other. So, you've decided to drop the pretence you put on for Lars?"

"Huh? When did I..."

"Oh, you can drop the act now." I look around as if she's talking to someone else.

"What are you on about?"

"No need to play dumb, Alex. You're already a campus celebrity, y'know?"

"Me?" There was no way I am a campus celebrity...

"I heard you're in and out of East Tower, messing with the Russells. I heard Andrew is so busy avoiding you that he's missing all his classes."

"What the hell are you talking about? Andrew is my boyfriend!"

"Wow, you've got more guts than I thought. And why would he go out with someone like you?"

"You were there! He's the one who told me he likes me first..."

"Riiiight...Not sure I should believe that display you put on..."

"Huh?!"

"You always wanted attention, didn't you? Did you even ask Andrew about saying those things?" I mean...she's not wrong...but!

"Tell me the truth, Alex. You've heard the rumour going around that you've slept with all the Russell brothers, haven't you?" Eliza raises her voice as if to address the crowd, and the eyes of passing students begin to fall on us.

"What!! Are you out of your mind?! Everyone is gonna get the wrong idea!" I'm so angry that my eyes tear up at these false accusations. I want to slap Eliza so hard, but- But... I don't think anyone would believe me right now. Making a scene would only make the rumours worse... From amidst the whispering of the students gathered around us, I feel completely alone and afraid. The moment I feel I'm going to have a meltdown... I hear his voice,

"Alex!"

"Andrew?!"

"What's going on? Standing in the middle of the square." Theo too? Why do those two have to be together! Why those two of all people- no, not people, vampires... My mind a mess, I can't even show how glad I am to see him.