4-to-1

Eleven - Red is Better Than Pink

Lexi

I got home later than intended last night. Since I had already told Dex I was talking with my teacher about extra credit, I went back and did exactly that. I was certain he or one of the others would ask if the teacher would allow me to turn in any additional work. Besides, my grade was pretty low in that class, and it wouldn't hurt to know my options.

I had already accepted my mathematical situation, but it was never a bad idea to cover one's bases.

Unfortunately, that pitstop had cost me,  painfully. Between the extra trip to the classroom across campus, and riding the bus ride through town, my arms were throbbing by the time I reached the house.

Once inside, I immediately swung by the kitchen to grab some pain pills, then headed upstairs to take a cool shower. I needed to clean the wounds, and the lower temperature of the water would help calm the inflammation around Nat's claw marks.

By the time the guys got back from the gym, I had showered, rebandaged my wounds, properly, and put on some comfy pajamas, before I got settled into a chair in the family room.

One of the couches might have been more comfortable, but I didn't want to risk anyone sitting next to me. Plus, the chairs were still made to be quite cozy.

"Hey Lex, ready for pizza?" I looked up as Dex sauntered towards me and presented a peperoni pizza with mushrooms and spinach, which he then placed on the coffee table.

"Looks really good."

"Smells even better. Been ready to dig in to this since we got it."

"Since WE got it? I'm the one who ordered, purchased, and picked up the pizza, while you finished your set in the ring."

"Okay, so technically GRAY got the pizza, but I relayed your request to him, AND brought it in."

I smiled at the banter between the two. It was refreshing to be surrounded by the back and forth quips of two close friends.

"Yeah, but you left the rest of the items for Blaine and I to bring in."

I snorted softly in the back of my throat at Asher’s little snippet. I tried to cover it by clearing my throat, but the raised eyebrow Dex directed my way told me he hadn't missed the sound. He clearly knew I was finding humor at his expense. I tossed him a wide, "I didn't do anything wrong" grin, to which he smiled broadly in response, then turned to help his brother unload the remaining items onto the table.

Everyone got settled on the couch or remaining chair, and began reaching for the pizza. Dex handed me a plate with a couple slices, then sat on the end of the couch closest to me.

Just as I had bitten into the pizza Blaine's voice reached my ears. "How'd it go with your math teacher, Lexi?"

I knew they would ask. Glad I stopped by before coming ho- back to the house.

I finished chewing and swallowed my bite.

"It went pretty well. According to Miss Lang, if I work with a tutor throughout the term, I could finish the semester with a better grade than I'm currently likely to achieve."

"What's your current grade expectation?"

"Oh. Umm, just barely below a C."

It was actually just barely above the passing threshold, but they didn't need to know just how bad the grade really was. I wasn't proud of my math grade, but that's what it had to be.

"Damn, Lex," Declan chimed in. "I thought you would be doing better in math. Didn't you used to love numbers in elementary school?"

"Uhh yeah, but...that was a long time ago. Things change," I responded, glancing at Declan before looking down, hoping to discourage further conversation.