4-to-1

Six - Fakin' It

Lexi

I made it through the first half of my day without any problematic interactions. I was actually smiling as I walked out of my last class and headed towards the cafeteria.

I walked in and glanced around, as was my habit, to see if there was anyone I needed to try to avoid. I didn't see Natalie, her friends, or the guys, so I went ahead and walked to the lunch line.

Huh, today might actually be a decent day, I thought as I left the line without any issues, and started walking towards my usual table. But then I looked up and almost ran into Declan.

"Hi Lexi," he said, with a hint of uncertainty in his voice. He had tried to breach the chasm in the past, but had never sounded so hesitant.

Okay, maybe Asher was a little right about how I treated Declan, yesterday anyway. I might have been a little more brusque than intended, even though it was merely self-preservation.

I realized none of them knew that part, so I tried to push some lightness into my tone in an attempt to convey my better mood.

"Hi Declan. Having a good day so far?"

"Uh-yeah. It's been pretty good so far. No pop quizzes or anything."

"That's good," I responded, glad the doubt vanished mid-sentence.

"Yeah, I was extra relieved during science. Mr. Branson loves to give random quizzes, and I wasn't in much of a mood to study last night."

"Sounds like you got lucky. You'll have to study tonight to be safe."

"Definitely."

We stood there for a good minute, neither of us saying anything more. I was about to excuse myself, politely, when he spoke again.

"Hey, so...I know you usually say no, but it was suggested to me that you would agree this time, so I thought I would go ahead and ask."

"Agree to what?" I asked

"To eat lunch with us."

I opened my mouth to decline, but then paused and looked at Declan in confusion. "Suggested by whom?"

"Huh? Oh, Asher. He said the conversation you two had on the way to school made him certain you would agree to sit with us today." He looked over his shoulder and I leaned to look around him to where Asher, Blaine, and Grayson were sitting. All three were looking our way, but Asher was staring directly at me, his eyebrow raised expectantly.

Damn. I knew he wanted me to be nicer towards Declan; I didn't realize he was serious about me sitting with them at lunch.

I sighed deeply then forced a smile onto my mouth, and looked back up at Declan. "Sure Dex, I would enjoy that."

The smile that spread across his lips was a lot more genuine than my own. As I followed Declan to the table, I began to wonder if I might be able to enjoy lunch a little. I once called these guys friends, and Declan's expression was infectious. I almost felt my own features softening.

Then I looked up towards the higher pitched voice that was suddenly nearby, rambling on about some nonsense about fashion. I watched as Natalie sat down right next to Asher, leaning against him in a manner that bordered on being possessive. My fake smile immediately froze, then fell a moment later. I probably looked like a buffoon as I stood paralyzed in my spot.

So much for having a pleasant lunch, or even pretending to.

I began to think of some excuse to eat elsewhere when I felt fingers grip my wrist, and pull me into the seat next to Declan. I frowned up at him, the sudden plop having  caused me to spill my drink. Declan just grinned  at me, and I rolled my eyes, looking down at my tray of food.