Untold Truths

Chapter 10

Alex walked into school the next day, her head aching and her eyes heavy with sleep. Mack ran up behind, her causing Alex to jump and suppress a scream of surprise. Alex scowled at her, making Mack back up a bit. "Sorry." She said apologetically.

Alex just shrugged and started to walk to her locker. "Whats up with you?" Mack asked giving Alex a critical look. Alex sighed, "I didn't get much sleep last night." She said.

Mack just nodded. Soon they were joined by Mark. "Where's Chase?" Alex asked, glancing around. Mark shrugged. Just then a voice came over the loudspeaker.

The buses will be arriving shortly. Please report to your homeroom classes immediately.

Alex glanced around one last time and followed her friends upstairs. When they got into their classrooms, Alex took a seat near the back, putting her head down. She was still exhausted from lack of sleep.

"Hello." Said a voice in front of her. Alex's head shot up. She was surprised to see Chase standing there, smiling. "Why does everyone do that!" She exclaimed. Chase shrugged. "Sorry." He said taking the seat next to her. "Why were you late?" Alex asked.

"Uhh... I didn't get much sleep last night." He said. Alex nodded. Then she glanced at Mark. "You still don't trust him?" Chase followed Alex's gaze and scowled. "No." He sighed. "But, I'm not going to let that get in the way of you guys having fun."

Alex smiled. Then Chase's expression got serious. "I just want you to be careful." Alex looked at him. "Why-" Before she could finish, the teacher announced that the buses had arrived.

Chase gave her another smile and grabbed his bag. "You coming?" He said, and walked towards the door. Alex sighed in frustration. Then she grabbed her own bag, hurrying to catch up.

When they got outside, there was already a crowd of kids talking and screaming, along with the noise from the buses. She felt like she was back at the concert.

After a while, kids began to board the buses. Mack took Alex's hand so they wouldn't get separated. Chase settled for grabbing the handle of Alex's backpack. Mark, to Alex's surprise grabbed her other hand, giving her a small smile.

Mack's jaw dropped, and Chase's grip grew tighter on her backpack. Alex blushed. Together, they made their way to a bus that hadn't yet been filled and found seats near each other.

Chase and Mack sat near the back, and Alex found herself sitting next to Mark across from them. Chase turned toward the window, a barely visible scowl on his face.

Alex sighed. Mack seemed to sense the unease between them, and stayed silent. The buses roared to life, and began slowly to make their way away from the school.

Alex looked out her own window, the scenery blurred by movement. She watched the woods along with the occasional building, to a sea of concrete and color. She loved the city, and everything in it.

Mark spoke, causing Alex to turn. "Do you go to Minneapolis often?" Alex smiled. "I lived here once." Mark nodded. "I've come here a few times." Alex smirked. "I know this city like the back of my hand."

Mack raised an eyebrow. "You sure?" He said with a smirk. "What, have you discovered a magical secret place no-one knows about in your few visits here?" Alex asked. "Something like that." He answered.

Alex glanced at Chase, who was still looking out the window. "Would you be willing to show me this magical place?" She asked. Mark smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I might be able to arrange that."

Chase seemed to here their conversation, and whipped his head around to look at Mark, his scowl fully visible. Mark glanced in his direction, a smirk playing on his lips. Alex looked at the both of them. What the hell?

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Pretty soon the bus parked in a public parking lot. Everyone started filing out of the buses. Alex stood, following her friends off the bus to stand in the parking lot.

There was a teacher standing in the middle of the crowd. He clapped his hands loudly to get everyone's attention. When the students were quiet, he proceeded. "Okay everyone, here's the plan. We will let you all wander throughout the city until lunch. At around 12:00 I want you all to meet back here. I trust you are mature enough to handle it."

When he finished, everyone started to break off into groups. Mack looked at the three of them. "So, what should we do first?"