Healing Hearts

Chapter 9

Alex's POV
Lunchtime came around. I caught glimpses of Dean in the hallway running around with his stupid friend. This backslide is about to get of control. I would take pity on him, but he did this to himself even after all the help we have offered to him in the past. I was in the lunch line, my eyes mostly glued to my phone since I could not find my friends. I grabbed a tray, grabbing whatever without paying too much mind. I put my phone in my pocket and realized how I never received a text from Dahlia. I knew I couldn't get too involved with her, especially after just breaking up with Faith. My heart had to be put away and frozen, never to be given to somebody again. I pushed these thoughts to the side as I walked to find a table to sit. I froze in place. She's here. Dahlia spotted me from across the room and got up. She walked to me fairly quickly. Next thing I knew, my lunch was on the ground. She slapped it out of my hands.

"What is wrong with you? Seriously?!" She shouted at me.

A couple people started staring. I had no words, I did not have any idea what she was talking about. Maybe I should've texted her first?

"I'm sorry, I was just expecting your text..."

"What are you talking about?" she crossed her arms, giving me a glare.

"Is that not what this is about...?"

"You just blurted out inappropriate compliments at me out in the hallway, stared at my ass as I walked off, and all of a sudden you think it's okay to call me a mouse because apparently I'm small? Now you're here not taking accountability for any of that? You're disgusting, I never want to talk to you again," she growled.

I furrowed my eyebrows, "Dahlia I didn't-"

"Yes, you did," she rolled her eyes and turned around.

Just then, Dean stumbled into the cafeteria. High as a kite, like always. Dahlia stopped in her tracks, a tiny gasp could be heard. Dean got his lunch and bit into his apple.

"Oh, it's mouse!" he laughed obnoxiously and walked back outside.

She slowly turned around to face me, her hand covering her mouth now.

"That...wasn't you?"

"I'm standing right here," I rubbed my temples.

"Alex I'm so sorry," she stepped closer to me to grab my hand.

She did, I hissed out of the pain that shot out from my knuckles.

She quickly let go, "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay. It happens," I looked at my food on the ground.

"Come, you can eat from mine," she grabbed my arm and lead me to her table.

She was sitting by herself, I probably would have sat with her anyway. I sat next to her as she handed me her sliced apples.

"I swear if I knew I wouldn't have-"

"Trust me, it's okay," I smiled at her.

She sighed, "So you have a twin."

"You'll learn to differentiate pretty quickly," I looked down.

"I could tell. It must be hard to deal with that," she folded her hands.

"He's my brother. I'm used to it," I replied.

Her eyes were traveling. They landed on my hand.

"What happened?" she pointed.

"Oh, game of bloody knuckles got out of hand," I put that hand in my pocket.

She didn't believe me, I could tell. I glanced at her.

"You sure?" she asked.

I nodded. I looked into her eyes. They showed concern, but she looked away, dropping the subject. She pulled her schedule out of her pocket.

"Can you show me around? I can't seem to find these rooms fast enough so I'm late every time," she handed it to me.

"Of course," I stood up.

Just then, another pair of eyes were shooting daggers straight at me. She still had the power to make me freeze. Faith. Her glare slid from me, to Dahlia. My hands started tremble, it was completely involuntary. Dahlia wrapped her arm around my own.

"Lead the way!" she smiled up at me.

I coughed and looked away from Faith and her table.

"Hey, are you alright?" Dahlia noticed my shaking.

"Yeah...just a bit cold is all," I walked us both outside.

Dean's POV

I was out in the field as we smoked from another joint. We hid under the bleachers. I hope that bitch never comes back again. I took another drag.

"Dean you're being stingy," Justin groaned.

I handed it back to him, "Kill it."

"Yeah I have no other choice."

I took a look out. Usual security passing right by us, the couple looking for a place to make out, more guys looking for a smoke spot, Alex and a girl...Alex and a girl?! I perked up and took a closer look.

"Huh, Alex and mouse really did get along..." I spoke my thoughts out loud.

"Who?" Justin took a look too.

"That one girl from the hallway," I replied.

Justin waved his hand, "He deserves to move on."

"It's not like him though," I stepped back.

Justin shrugged and put the blunt out.

"You know speaking of that, I think me and my ex are going to get back together," Justin pulled his knees closer to his chest.

"Which girl?" I looked over at him.

"Evie. She's been reaching out to me. I think I have some feelings to spare for her too. She was really good to me you know," Justin explained.

"Huh, maybe I should meet her someday then," I crossed my arms.

"Why not now? She's on her way now," Justin smiled at me.

I nodded. After a few minutes, she was here. We both made eye contact, and panic sent us both into an internal mayhem. Her eyes got wide for a second, my high came straight down.

"Evie, this is Dean. Dean, this is my girl Evie," Justin smiled.

This is that girl from the party. Some bitch that just opens her legs huh? How the hell did he not recognize her then?! I put my hand out, she shook it.

"Nice to meet you, though I thought maybe we've already spoken before..." I tilted my head.

"We have, but it was just a brief conversation since Justin pulled me away somewhere," she glanced at him.

I gave a small laugh. This can't be right. I looked at Justin, he looked at her with full admiration. It would destroy him to know. Maybe he was too high at the party that he didn't recognize her face. I racked my brain for things to say, but I just wanted to leave more than anything. I think we were both making a silent agreement not to speak of that night, no words were really needed.

"I need to get to class..." I trailed off, and walked away.

"Catch you later!" Justin waved.