[in progress] As hearts collide {chicklit}

Chapter seven - three's company

"Hey, Em!" Alex's voice echoed down the corridor, pulling me from my daydreams. I turned to see him striding toward me, his hair damp and in clumps from the rain outside.
"Hi!" I replied a little too eagerly.
"It's raining today," Alex shared, and I raised an eyebrow, confused.
"You called my name to tell me it's raining? I have eyes, you know." I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Ha ha. No," he said sarcastically, "I was wondering where you're eating lunch today, since it's raining outside?"
I looked at him for a moment and his blue eyes bore into mine.
"Oh! Er... I hadn't thought about it..." I stammered, playing with the strap on my bag.
"It's just that Jim and I were going to play football, but since we can't, I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch together?" His hand swept through his hair, dropping beads of rain onto his blazer.
"With you and Jim? Yeah, okay - that would be cool." I tried to sound casual. Alex shifted uncomfortably.
"Ah, yeah... me and Jim. Want to meet outside English and we can head there together?"
I shrugged. "Sure. Shall I let Jim know or -" I began, but he waved it off.
"Nah, it's cool - I'll tell him... See you later!" He smiled and then walked away.

I closed my locker and headed to English, unable to shake his goofy smile from my head.

After class, I waited by the main doors and looked out for Jim and Alex. I saw Alex first - he was almost a head taller than everyone else in our year. Catching my eyesight, he smiled warmly and sauntered towards me, Jim following closely behind.

"Em!" Jim said, surprised by my presence. He grinned wildly, which made me giggle.
"I haven't seen you since you tucked me in on Friday - you alright?"
I noticed Alex's eyebrows raised as he looked between us.
"Yeah, I'm good - I woke up in the early hours with the Futurama menu on repeat and thought I better leave." I clarified, briefly glancing to Alex. Why did I feel the need to explain myself to him? Maybe it was the way his eyes bore into mine intensely.
"You could've stayed over... it wouldn't be the first time..." Jim joked.
"True," I shot back playfully, "but I haven't stayed over since we were 12!"

Alex walked ahead, and Jim and I followed behind. The rain had eased to a light drizzle, so we sprinted across the campus towards the canteen. The familiar scent of school dinners hit me as the doors opened. I hadn't been in there since I used to sit with Mia and the crew. But things had changed once we'd drifted apart. Right on cue, I spied them all on the same old table together. They briefly glanced over to us, before turning back to gossip in hushed tones. Ben's gaze lingered on us longer than the others', making me squirm.

Alex pointed to a couple of empty tables in the corner. "Let's sit there," he said. I nodded, following his lead. Jim settled next to me, and Alex sat across from us. As we took our seats, I felt as though everyone in the room had their curious gazes burning into me.

"What are you guys eating today? It's on me," Jim said, pulling a wallet from his pocket.
"Just some chips for me please, mate," Alex said gratefully.
Jim looked to me for an answer.
"Just a Diet Coke for me, thanks," I replied, feeling as if the whole room held its breath, waiting for my response.
"Em," Jim's voice prodded, "you gotta eat something."
"I've got lunch with me," I said, my tone sharper than intended. Jim's surprise flickered across his face, and he retreated.
Alex leaned in, his voice low. "He's worried about you."
"I know," I whispered. "But it feels everyone's watching me."
Alex's smile was knowing. "Trust me, they're not. Except for that guy at the popular kids' table - you know him?" I know he's referring to Ben.
"We... we used to be friends." I replied, biting the inside of my cheek.
"Just friends?" Alex prodded, his eyes searching mine.
"Just friends," I confirmed. "He wasn't interested."
Alex's playful tone returned. "He looks interested now. Shall I make him jealous?"
I rolled my eyes. "Haven't you caused enough chaos with your daisy charades?"
His laughter echoed.
"That was hilarious! That Lee guy was so serious - "you're new, so I'll let you off this time, but nobody touches my girl" - it was only a laugh. Everyone was talking about 'the new kid', so I thought I'd give them something to talk about." He explained, chuckling to himself.
"So you're not into Mia?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Alex's gaze held mine. "Nah... I've got my sights on someone else."
My cheeks flushed, and I looked away, turning to my backpack to bring out my sandwiches.

"That queue is mental!" Jim exclaimed, his arrival breaking the awkward silence. He handed me my Diet Coke, and I smiled gratefully.
"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling the weight of my earlier outburst. "Sorry for being a bitch before. I just feel a little exposed in here."
Jim waved it off. "No apologies necessary. I overstepped."
Alex leaned in, curiosity in his eyes. "What's in your sandwiches today?"
I popped open the lid of my lunchbox. "Hummus and roasted veggies left over from last night's dinner."
His nose wrinkled. "Bleurgh! In that case, I'm glad it's raining. Saved me from eating that shit."
I laughed. "I wouldn't have let you have it anyway, you bloody food thief!"

The conversation flowed, and soon my worries about the canteen faded away, leaving only the three of us - Jim, Alex, and me. When lunch ended, I thanked them both and headed to my locker for my French book.

As I closed the door on locker 264, Ben stood there, catching me off guard. "Oh, Jesus! You scared me!" I exclaimed.
He chuckled. "Looking good, Em, where you been? You avoiding us?"
Confusion swirled inside me. "I'm not avoiding anyone."
His tone turned serious. "You don't have to sit with those losers, you know. We're still your friends."
His aftershave triggered memories - laughter, secrets shared, stolen glances. "Thank you," I replied carefully. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Hey, listen - if you ever want to -"
"Everything alright, Em?" A familiar voice from behind me interrupted Ben. Alex.
Ben laughed. "She's fine mate, you can go now." Alex's protective stance remained. "I'm walking her to class, mate." Ben's raised eyebrow met Alex's unwavering gaze.
"See you around, Ben." I said, turning on my heels and walking away.

Alex's concern hung in the air as we reached my French class. "Are you sure you're ok? he asked, his voice gentle. "I saw him leave the canteen after you did and I thought I better come and check on you, just in case."

My hands trembled, and my heart raced. I'd known Ben for years but now, he felt like a stranger. If the group really wanted to see me again, wouldn't Mia come and talk to me instead of Ben?
"It was weird" I admitted, my voice barely audible. "He used to be my friend, but now... It's like they're a puzzle piece that no longer fits."
"Then maybe," Alex suggested, as he turned to walk away, "maybe it's time to find new pieces... ones that fit better."