Unwanted Cupcakes

Chapter Six

"I should probably explain to you why attempting to escape won't be such a great idea," Lexis says, turning off the engine. It's the first thing he's said to me since the SpongeBob argument; thankfully, the radio playing allowed me to ignore his butt-hurt self and the silence he wanted to brood in, but I could see the glares he threw my way whenever we'd stopped at a red light.

He'd parked up in front of a shabby-looking building, isolated and out of place on the otherwise empty road. It was a little petrol station that doubled as a mini-supermarket--but I doubted anybody went there to buy bread and eggs. The glaringly green neon sign informed passersby that it was open 24/7, though it seemed almost fully deserted--baring Lexis' car, and another one similar to it that he'd parked beside.

I hum noncommittally, looking around to better scope out the area. As far as I can see, there isn't another building or car (aside from the one next to Lexis') around for miles, and this looks exactly like the kind of place someone would murder you in. 

"You shouldn't try to escape," he repeats, pausing after. It's silent for a couple of seconds and it's only then I realise he's waiting for me to look at him. With an exaggerated sigh, I turn to face him. He smirks and continues, "Because firstly, unless you're completely dunce, you can see there's nowhere for you to go. Secondly, this place is run by friends of mine, friends who know exactly what I do and exactly who you are."

At the mention of his 'friends', a group of half a dozen guys come shambling out of the petrol station-supermarket. They cheer obnoxiously the second they see Lexis (though it's probably only Lexis' car they see; nobody can look through the black tint of the car's windows). Lexis presses down on the horn twice, and we watch as the group advances.

"They the friends you mentioned?" I ask, barely able to make out the features of any of them. One thing I can tell, though, is that they seem to be around the same height as Lexis himself, which, great. Who the hell has friends that are all tall? Is that like a requirement Lexis has once he meets someone? "Hey, hi, sorry, can't be around you, you're not 5'9 or above!" Douchebag.

Lexis nods, opening the car door. He stands up, then ducks back under again, face pleading. "Do me a favour and don't be a bitch?"

I sigh dramatically, faux-interested in checking my nails. "Can't do that, I'm afraid. Being a bitch is engrained in my DNA."

He rolls his eyes and slams the door. I watch as he greets the guys who'd huddled just outside the car, hands slapping and shoulders bumping in the signature bro-dude handshake. I wonder when that became something every male did, when everyone had accepted it as a universal tradition and no longer blinked an eye when two dudes all but body-tackled each other.

He motions with his hand for them to wait as he makes his way to where I'm still sitting in the car. Opening the door, he stands patiently as I take my time getting out, tapping his foot against the floor. His friends are all watching in quiet anticipation, and I really could not be going any slower.

With a groan, he leans forward and drags me out. "Hey!" I protest, aiming for his eye with my fingers, but I end up flicking his cheek. He glares and I flick him again. "I was coming out."

"Were you? Because it sure seemed like you were getting on my nerves," he retorts, rubbing at the reddening area with a wince.

With a roll of my eyes, I follow behind when he walks off to the group. They're all standing quietly, eyes slightly widened. Now that I'm out of the car, I can see them clearly.

The one farthest to me, the one Lexis approaches and puts his arm around, smiles kindly. He's a couple inches taller than Lexis, hair dyed a silvery-blonde and styled up quiff-like. From where I'm standing his eyes seem to gleam, hazel and green and honest in their beauty. "Hey," he says with a small wave. "I'm Vice."