The Boy With a Black Hoodie

Chapter Sixteen: Alan

I looked as Kiara pulled from the hug and grabbed Shane's hand bringing him to our seat. All scenarios were running in my mind and the fact that Artemis just stood there as if she had won America's got talent had me worried.

"Alan, meet Shane, my childhood friend," She introduced smiling. Shane brought his hand forward for a handshake. I was shocked when he gripped my hand with force.

I smiled, "Nice to meet you, Shane." I returned with force too. If this guy wanted to be mean who was I to deny him the pleasure. We pulled from the handshake and Artemis went to hug Shane.

"Art, still looking gorgeous as always," Shane said kissing both her cheeks. Artemis blushed a deep shade. I had my conclusion there and then, I didn't like this guy.

They all sat down at our table including Artemis. This was gonna be a long day not to mention that I now had her as my tutor. I was sure Kiara was no longer gonna bother challenging the Principal's decision since Shane was here now.

"So Alan what brought you here to Greenwood?" Shane asked and I had the urge to roll my eyes and say education.

I shrugged, "The same reason as everyone else I guess."

The atmosphere was so awkward that I almost stood up and left before Kiara said something that caught me by surprise.

"Artemis when are you going to finish tutoring Alan, My parents invited him for dinner you see," She smiled sweetly.

Shane decided to use that moment to ruin my day even further," How about we all go to your place? It's been so long since I saw your parents and I missed them."

Kiara gave me a look that said how do we get rid of these two. I wanted to laugh, first because of relief and second because I could tell she was still mad at Artemis.

"I would love that actually," Artemis agreed, "It would be cool to see your parents Kiki. Maybe I can even entertain them with a few of our once happy memories remember?"

I felt like there was more to the story because Kiara glared at Artemis. Shane was busy watching them with interest especially Kiara.

"How do you all know each other? Apart from the school of course," I asked.

"We all used to be friends before Kiara got so messed up and thought she was better than everyone," Artemis answered and I felt like slapping her. Don't get me wrong you never hit a lady but Artemis sometimes took it too far when she talked about Kiara.

I looked at Kiara to see her smirking. She never ceased to amaze me and to be honest I loved her bad side. Shane took some of Kiara's food and started eating it. He didn't say anything about Artemis's point but im sure this handsome devil had everything to do with their hatred for each other.

"Are you sure Art? I mean you are the one who hated that I got attention without asking for it right? Do you think I enjoyed being the center of attention? No. Just get off your high horse and stop making everything about you." Kiara said in a calm voice.

"Always the victim aren't you little Kiki?"

" Guys can you just stop it? I mean it's been years and we are grown up now. Art I left because you asked me to so what are we all supposed to do to get your forgiveness?" Shane snapped.

Kiara laughed, " I did nothing wrong and I'm never apologizing so get that into your thick skull."

"You know what? See you all later because I can't stand being in the same place with both of you," She said pointing at Kiara and Shane.

Artemis stormed out and I realized that she was on the verge of tears. Whoa! There was more to this than just a love triangle that I had made up in my mind. Kiara stood up too and hugged Shane then she came and kissed me on the cheek. I might have blushed.

"You know Shane it's high time you came clean to Art. You guys need to fix things between you once and for and stop using me as a shield." She said then looked at me, "See you later?"

I stuttered, "umm- yeah- umm- sure."

When she left Shane turned to me and smirked, "Dude you like her don't you?"

"Uh, what do you.."He cut me off and smiled sadly.

"I might as well tell you the whole story. Kiara and I never dated. Don't get me wrong we were best friends and did everything together. Artemis came along and well were all inseparable. But things changed when we got to 10th grade. Kiara gained more attention for being a genius. She hated that. Artemis wanted that. So Kiara messed up instead but she still got..

" Attention for being a troublesome smart beautiful girl," I finished. Shane nodded.

"I liked Art a lot and told Kiara. She was ok with it but since I was closer to her Art got the wrong idea because she liked me too. We explained the situation and well I dated her for a while until I messed up badly and Kiara took the whole blame for me."

This was getting interesting. I mean I thought this guy was here for trouble then whoa! Never mind this was some dope-ass drama stuff. I motioned for him to continue.

"It was just an innocent prank but things got out of hand. The lab burnt and luckily there was no one in there. I wanted to prank other kids by setting off this volcano that I had made for a project then I- I" his voice broke. I felt bad.

"You can stop now. You don't have to tell me anything. I'm so sorry I was rude and.."

"It's ok. I need to get this out of my chest and you are the only person that Kiki trusts so I will feel better after telling you this." He said and continued. "So there were just so many chemicals around and when I set off the volcano for a trial things got bad. Luckily Kiara had followed me and came in at the right time. She dragged me before the lab burnt. There was so much smoke and I passed out as soon we were out. The lab was burnt down and, and when I woke up Kiara was at the hospital too passed out from all the smoke.

" Then how did she take the blame?" I asked.

"She didn't, the person who found us made her take the blame. She found us passed out whilst hugging and she thought we had been up to something. "
I felt my mouth go dry. Why would anyone do that to her friends?

Shame smiled," You get it now? Art did that then when we regained consciousness everyone already thought Kiara had done it since she had a reputation. She didn't deny it either because she wanted to save me and my dad. So when I went to her her family had already paid for the whole thing and she had been suspended for two months."

"Why didn't they just expell her?" I blurted.

"Because my dad couldn't do that not after she had saved my life and his job," Shane answered. Something clicked in my brain.

"You are Shane Scott aren't you? The principal is your dad?" I asked incredulously.

"Ditto." Shane laughed at my look. " I get that a lot dude."

"Anyways, He had seen the footage and had to pretend that he didn't know anything because she had already accepted the blame. The worst part, Kiara will never have a normal life thanks to me. Art broke up with me and hated Kiara even more for not being expelled. She told me to leave and because I already felt bad, I left."

"What do you..." I couldn't finish as the bell rang indicating the end of lunch.

Shane stood up and I did the same. My head felt heavy with all the information and I was glad I had music lessons after lunch.

"See you later Alan, maybe not I take music too," Shane said and I followed him in a daze.

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Hie guys.
I'm so sorry for the late update I hope you enjoy this and please do tell me what you think of Shane so far.

I also created an Instagram account where I will update you on when I will be posting new chapters. The handle is @regalgothwrites

Do give me a shout-out and a follow. Don't forget to comment or like and vote. Much love,
Goth.

P.S this is a little bit longer to make up for the disappearance.

Oh, yeah im planning on changing the book cover, any ideas dm me on insta ok?