The connection - New beginnings

Chapter nine - Not my style

Alex

"So you just hugged? That's it" Natalie asked looking slightly exasperated

"Yes but it was more than a hug you know" I tried to explain but knew I must sound ridiculous. I'd told her about my run in with Chase at the creek yesterday and she was fishing for details but it was hard to explain how much emotion I'd actually felt from that simple hug. 

"When he pulled me into his chest it was like I was taken back in time. Like I was finally where I was supposed to be, I felt like I was home" I felt a blush fill my cheeks as the embarrassment washed over me. Natalie was my best friend and I knew she'd never judge me but I felt a bit silly admitting all those feelings from a simple hug.

"Sounds intense" she murmured. I nodded back at her as the memory washed over me again.

"Sooo...Zac arrives today then?" She not so slyly changed the subject. 

"Yeah, he's driving down so he should be here by tonight" I replied flatly. I hated the way I was less excited to see my boyfriend than I was over hugging Chase. I'd been back a few days and I'd gotten myself right back to square one. I thought about Nate and our moment at the coffee shop. I hadn't told Natalie, I'd promised him I wouldn't and I didn't want to make Natalie's  friendship with Jules awkward but part of me resented having to keep something from my best friend.

"You look like you've got a lot on your mind?" She eyed me suspiciously 

"Don't I always" I smirked as she watched me with her knowing glance. She knew me well enough to know when I was keeping something from her but this time she didn't pry. For that I was grateful.

"That's enough about me though, we are supposed to be having a girls day together so what did you have planned?" I grinned up at my best friend knowing she couldn't resist some girl time.

"Well now that you mention it I thought we'd do a bit of retail therapy, then maybe a late lunch before you have to get home for Zac" 

"Sounds perfect" 

It had been so long since I'd let her drag me around the shops. Natalie was a serious shopaholic and even though it wasn't always my thing I'd end up having the best time with her. She was great at helping me pick stuff out. This was exactly what I needed, a girls day to help me clear my head of boys...at least until Zac arrives tonight, then he'd be the only boy occupying space in my head.

********

We pulled up into a parking space outside the mall and headed towards the entrance. It was bound to be busy, the first week of summer and lots of excited teenagers out shopping for holiday supplies. I spotted a figure waiting near the entrance, I strained my eyes to focus.

"Is that Jules?" I asked Natalie who was unusually quiet

"Err yeah. Sorry Al I forgot to say that she heard me talking about shopping with you today and asked if she could tag along. I didn't  have the heart to say no" she shot me an apologetic smile.

Great. A day with my best friend just turned into a day with my best friend, her new best friend who happens to be dating the guy I had a really complicated history with...not to mention that kiss.

"Nat, Lex I'm so glad you're finally here! I'm super excited for our girls day!" She squealed in excitement as she pulled us both in for hugs. Did she just call me Lex. It was the only thing running through my mind. No one else had ever called me that other than Chase and Nate. It caught me off guard and I stood silent for a moment whilst she engulfed me in a hug. I caught sight of Natalie's eyes on me, a desperate look on her face as I finally snapped out of it and remembered my manners.